The gas shortage is also reportedly affecting residents, and stores are running out of propane to sell to customers. In a Saturday post on its Facebook page it said, “We have no stoves, no ovens, no hot water. KaiLoki’s Restaurant and Bar in Ocean View became one of the latest victims of the strike. On Maui and Hawaii island, some restaurants, which use the utility’s propane to cook food, had to close in the middle of the day Thursday after their on-site tanks became empty. Unionized members include drivers, maintenance workers and clerical employees.ĭespite Hawaii Gas deploying nonunion members and “temporary outside staffing” to ensure that gas service isn’t interrupted, the strike already has led to the temporary closure of several businesses after the utility failed to make regularly scheduled gas deliveries to fill up propane tanks. It delivers gas directly via underground pipes, but also uses trucks to deliver gas. The state’s only utility gas provider, Hawaii Gas produces synthetic natural gas and purchases propane for some 70,000 customers. Since the beginning of the strike, Hawaii Gas has turned to about 140 nonunion employees, most of whom are managers, to maintain the utility’s operations. In its statement the union said it “made significant moves to bring the strike to an end” through lower wage increases and higher medical premiums, but said that Hawaii Gas has “failed to bargain in good faith to help put an end to the strike.” Hawaii Teamsters said that its members have had virtually no pay increases over the past six years, which spans two contracts, in order to maintain its medical premiums. Additionally, the union said that Hawaii Gas’ proposed medical cost increases are still too high. Hawaii Gas initially offered wage increases of 10%, Hawaii Teamsters said, and its current offer is actually lower, at 8.6%.

Now it’s proposing a 22% increase to wages. The union said it had initially requested a 30% increase in wages and a marginal increase in medical premiums at the start of contract negotiations. On Saturday, after the most recent meeting, Hawaii Teamsters in a statement said, “It comes with a heavy heart to inform you that the current negotiations have resulted in the employer wanting to continue the current strike.” Since the beginning of the strike both sides have met at least twice. The union said there were few actual meetings during that time, and members voted to strike after Hawaii Gas offered a “last, best and final offer.” “We have contacted the Teamsters to meet earlier than June 19th, as any unreasonable delay in reaching an agreement can only result in the continued inconvenience to and disruption of the ability of our customers to operate their businesses and their households, not to mention the impact on our employees.”Ībout 200 union employees for Hawaii Gas went on strike June 1 after about five weeks of unsuccessful contract negotiations that included disputes over increases in wages and medical premiums. We continue to make ourselves available to meet with the Teamsters, and the earliest they can meet is June 19th,” Hawaii Gas said in a statement. “Unfortunately, no agreement was reached. The utility said it met with Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996, “all day” Friday and through early Saturday and that another meeting is in the works. Contract negotiations between Hawaii Gas and unionized employees on strike have resumed, but the two sides don’t appear any closer to reaching an agreement.

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