Contract Negotiations Archives

Hawaii Gas Union Workers Approve New Contract, Ending Statewide Strike

A three-year contract has been approved by unionized employees of Hawaii Gas, ending the state’s two-week strike. The utility disclosed that the new contract includes a 15% pay raise spread over three years and a flat-rate medical insurance fee that covers roughly 10% of the employee’s medical insurance premium cost, with the remaining 90% being… Continue reading Hawaii Gas Union Workers Approve New Contract, Ending Statewide Strike

Beginning the negotiations, Hawaii Gas offered a 10% wage increase while Local 996 of the Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, representing union workers, proposed a 30% increase. In the end, a compromise that was acceptable to the union and the business was reached by both parties.

The president and chief executive officer of Hawaii Gas, Alicia Moy, expressed her satisfaction with the deal, acknowledging the difficulties encountered during the strike and stressing the need to move past them and unite as one ‘ohana (family). The utility is eager to welcome back its staff and resume regular business operations so they can effectively serve their customers.

During the strike, there were reports of union workers protesting and obstructing delivery trucks and employees’ access to various Hawaii Gas locations. Additionally, there were claims of taunting between union and non-union workers. Both commercial and residential customers were impacted by the strike’s service interruptions, mainly eateries that depend on propane for cooking and water heating. Additionally, residential customers encountered gas tank filling delays, and hardware stores experienced propane shortages.

Hawaii Gas granted waivers to its commercial clients during the strike, enabling other gas companies to fill their tanks. Typically, contractual agreements forbid this practice, but Hawaii Gas may have made an exception because of the strike’s specifics and public pressure.

The end of the strike is a relief for the company and the union workers, guaranteeing fair pay for the staff and continuing Hawaii’s residents’ access to essential gas services. The settlement is a win for all parties involved and the start of the company’s and its employees’ recovery process.

Seventy thousand customers are served by Hawaii Gas, the state’s only utility gas provider, through a vast underground pipeline network. The business, which is subject to state Public Utilities Commission regulation, works together with non-utility gas providers to provide gas to customers via trucks.

Alii Gas Provides Propane Service Amid Hawaii Gas Strike

Gas service has been interrupted due to Hawaii Gas’s ongoing statewide strike, but substitute businesses like Alii Gas are filling the gap. Since the strike started on June 1, Alii Gas, located in the Kailua-Kona region of the island of Hawaii, has experienced increased business. Alii Gas has been able to refuel propane tanks for companies with contracts with Hawaii Gas despite recent gas disruptions that necessitated the temporary closure of restaurants. These companies have granted Alii Gas waivers to fill the tanks and maintain a constant propane supply. The cooperation between propane companies shows the sector’s dedication to providing excellent customer service even in trying circumstances.

In addition, the strike has raised concerns about propane shortages at hotels and other tourism-oriented establishments, particularly in Waikiki. However, the commercial gas supply for customers outside the island of Hawaii is stable. Hotels directly receiving gas from Hawaii Gas through pipelines have remained relatively stable. Commercial entities with on-site gas tanks that depend on regular refills from Hawaii Gas trucks have been the most affected.

According to Alii Gas, Hawaii Gas tanks can be filled with no problems despite technical and safety concerns about using different companies to serve the same propane tanks. The business emphasizes that its services adhere to the required standards and that any problems must be more understood.

The Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996, and Hawaii Gas have resumed their negotiations, but no deal has been reached as of yet. The two sides continue to disagree on wage increases and medical premiums. Public exchanges and accusations have been made during the strike between the union and Hawaii Gas, including claims of truck blocking and gas shipment disruption.

Both Hawaii Gas and the union are prepared to pick up negotiations as the strike drags on. A resolution to the strike will be essential to maintain uninterrupted gas service and address the company’s and its employees’ concerns.