HILO — Wednesday is St. Patrick’s Day across much of the world, but there’s not a lot of green in store for Union members of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Union members and their supporters will post an informational picket line in front of the newspaper at 355 Kinoole Street between noon and 1 PM on Wednesday, March 17th to inform the public of conditions at the newspaper.
Big Island unions have voted strong support for the Tribune-Herald workers. These unions include: the Hawaii Printing and Graphic Communications Local 413/GCCIBT Local 501, International Association of Machinist & Aerospace Workers Local 1998, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260, Hawaii Government Employees Association, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675, Laborers Union Local 368, Operating Engineers Local 3, Carpenters Union Local 745, Hawaii State Teachers Association, United Public Workers local 646, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Workers, Hawaii Teamsters Local 996.
The labor leaders will hold a press conference during the informational picket at 12:30 PM in front of the newspaper.
Big Island elected representatives have signed letters of support. They include Senators Dwight Takamine and Russell Kokubun, and Representatives Jerry Chang, Faye Hanohano, Clift Tsuji and Mark Nakashima; County Council Chair J Yoshimoto and County Council member Guy Enriques.
Tribune-Herald workers have not had a pay increase in more than eight years. Last December newspaper management canceled the contract raising the threat of a lockout by the company, unilateral implementation of the company’s proposals, or a strike by union members or other action.
Wayne Cahill, the Guild’s administrative officer said, “we know the economy is bad right now, probably as bad as it has been in our lifetime, and many businesses are hurting, but this newspaper is doing very well. The company’s lead negotiator told us the Tribune-Herald is making lots of money. He said, the company can afford to give pay raises, it just doesn’t want to.”
Besides the economic issues, the company wants the union to agree to the hiring of subcontractors, freelancers and outsourcing work which would put long-term employees at risk.
Hawaii Tribune-Herald workers will wave signs and pass out leaflets. The action will not disrupt any member of the public from conducting business at the newspaper.
Tribune-Herald workers are represented by the Hawaii Newspaper Guild, TNG-CWA 39117.
Cahill and other Big Island labor leaders will be available to take questions following the press conference.
For more information contact: Wayne Cahill, Hawaii Newspaper Guild Administrative Officer at 808-295-5656.
