WAIKIKI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Hotel workers continued to strike outside the Hilton Hawaiian Village and are seeing more support from the community with people refusing to cross the line.
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It’s been a week and a half and the strike continues with no end in sight.
“It’s day 11, we’re here every day, 24 hours. We are prepared to do it as long as it takes,” said Shawna Kipi, Hilton Hawaiian Village bartender.
Experts say timing of worker strikes are calculated “We’re doing this for our industry, as well as our children. We want a future for our children to be able to stay here in Hawaii. We want a livable wage and we’re fighting for short staffing in every department,” explained Gladys Pobre, Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel operator.
The walkout has proven to be problematic for the hotel, leaving guests frustrated and asking for their money back.
Kim Brown is visiting from South Carolina sat with some people who were appalled.
“I understand that people want a refund. I also understand where the workers are coming from,” Brown said.
As the strike continues, some refuse to cross the picket line in support of the workers and they are urging others to do the same.
The 47th annual Ō’o Awards honoring the Native Hawaiian community was held on Friday evening. Some have decided not to attend.
One Hawaiian Craftsman made the following statement:
They declined the invitation to the Ō’o awards and refuse to cross the picket line because they’re tired of seeing foreign investors control our economy. When we put corporate profits over Kanaka, being able to live on the land of our ancestors that is when Aloha is only a word.
“It’s amazing as a union worker, as a local person born and raised here, Native Hawaiian. It warms our hearts that we have brothers and sisters from everywhere supporting us,” Kipi added.
Unite Here Local 5 said contract negotiations have stalled. No word yet on when the union and hotel will resume negotiations.
KHON2 reached out to the Hilton for comment and is waiting for a response.
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