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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Ilikai union workers OK new contract


By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Union workers at the Ilikai Hotel today voted overwhelmingly to ratify an agreement that will enable the iconic Ilikai Hotel to reopen soon, union officials said.
“Today marks an important day in our efforts to secure our future at the Ilikai,” said Tammy Omoso, a 22-year veteran of the hotel.

“Our votes today reflect the true love and commitment we have always had for the Ilikai, and we are excited about the future role we’ll have in rebuilding the hotel.”
Hotel management and labor officials made separate announcements about the deal last week, just a day after the hotel was shut down.
The Ilikai owner, iStar Financial LLC, closed the 203 hotel units for what it thought would be an indefinite period citing operating losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars a month.
Under the new union contract, wages, benefits and job security provisions will remain intact for 50 of 75 workers expected to return when the hotel reopens, said union officials.
The new owners said employment will be offered to Ilikai workers by seniority.