Marriott workers reject latest ‘fair and generous’ offer, says hotel owner Kyo-ya
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Hotel workers with Unite Here Local 5 continue their strike against Marriott-managed properties on Oahu and Maui after rejecting the latest offer from hotel owner Kyo-ya. Shown here, Priscilla Gaoiran, a longtime housekeeper at Sheraton Waikiki, rallies with co-workers last week on Kalakaua Avenue.
Hawaii hotel workers remain on strike this week after negotiations between the union and Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts failed to result in a deal.
The Unite Here Local 5 union and Kyo-ya are scheduled to return to talks next week.
About 2,700 Marriott employees on Oahu and Maui went on strike early last month, seeking higher wages and better benefits.
“We are extremely disappointed that Local 5 leadership rejected our latest offer which would have been the largest increase in compensation for any of the striking markets nationwide,” Kyo-ya said in a statement Monday.
Kyo-ya said its offer would have given employees an increase in combined wages and a workload reduction for housekeepers. Benefits for all active employees and retirees would not have changed.
“Instead of accepting what would have been a fair and generous agreement, Local 5 leadership has elected to keep our employees out of work,” Kyo-ya said.
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The union said in a statement that the offer was not enough, but it is hopeful a “true settlement” will be made next week.
“A true settlement offer is one that looks at the true cost of living and working in Hawaii and brings us toward the goal of all workers: ‘One Job Should Be Enough,’” the union said.
Workers need to be paid enough so they only need one job in order support themselves, the union said.
Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts owns the Marriott-managed Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, and Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa.
