Hotel workers at Royal Kona Resort on Big Island go on strike

More than 150 hotel workers at the Royal Kona Resort have taken to the picket line this morning for a one-day strike.

Those on strike include housekeepers, maintenance workers, bellmen, cooks, and more. Royal Kona workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 have been working without a contract since February and contract negotiations have been ongoing since then.

Despite nearly a year of bargaining, workers’ key priorities have yet to be settled, according to a news release from the union. Workers at the Royal Kona have been fighting for better workplace staffing and job security language and protections in the event of major emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, they have been fighting to secure wages that keep up with their Big Island counterparts, and are currently paid less than workers at other hotels on the island.

“We are on strike to protect our jobs and the future of our island’s number one industry. Even though we do the same work every day as other hotel workers on the Big Island, our employer is treating us like we are nothing,” said Maggie Larson, Housekeeping, 33 years of service. “We love our jobs and take pride in welcoming our guests, but we are struggling to keep up with the cost of living and being able to deliver the quality service our guests deserve.”

The Employer has taken the position that it can unilaterally implement changes in the wages and working conditions without agreement with the Union or the hotel’s bargaining committee.

On Oct. 30, Local 5 filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against the hotel for failing to bargain in good faith with the Union. The board is currently investigating the charge.

“Today’s action demonstrates the seriousness of the situation we’re now in and the commitment of our members to do whatever it takes to ensure these jobs remain good jobs for future generations of Big Island hotel workers. We are hopeful that we will come to a fair settlement soon – as we have for many decades with the Royal Kona Resort – but we won’t accept being treated like we’re 2nd class,” said Cade Watanabe, Financial Secretary-Treasurer. “Workers here deserve better. The Royal Kona Resort can do better.”

The strike is expected to conclude at 11:59 p.m. tonight and workers will return to work at midnight on Saturday.