Although many member companies experienced revenue losses during the pandemic, surprisingly, post pandemic wage settlements have been significantly higher than pre-pandemic settlements.  Another interesting recent development is that despite statutory increases to the minimum wage for Hawaii employees, many of our member companies have had to approach unions to reopen the parties’ collective bargaining agreements to address wages increases to retain and attract candidates for their organizations.

First year settlements – All companies

• Average increase:  6.52%
• Number of contracts:  21
• Industries:  United way agencies, golf courses, utility companies, healthcare, agriculture, car dealerships, cemeteries, homeowner association -- grounds and landscaping crews, and construction.

First year settlements – Healthcare companies only

• Average increase:  3.5%
• Number of contracts:  2
• Types of healthcare facilities:  Honolulu hospital; Maui non-profit healthcare facility (Adult Day Health, Care Homes, Home Health, Long Term Care, and Rehabilitation services)

First year settlements – Non-healthcare companies

• Average increase:  6.84%
• Number of contracts:  19

First year settlements – By Union

• United Public Workers Union (UPW):  6.53% (3 contracts)
• International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU):  6.54% (10 contracts) 
• Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA):  9.48% (4 contracts)
• Hawaii Nurses Association (HNA):  4% (1 contract)
• Note:  Wage settlements for the construction industry (Carpenters, Laborers, and Operating Engineer unions) are not included as the Masons Local 1/Cement and Finishers Local 630 Union is still in negotiations.

First Year Settlement – For One Year (September 2023 to September 2024)

• Healthcare
  • Average increase:  3.5% (2 contracts)
• Non-Healthcare
  • Average increase:  6.81 % (27 contracts)
• All:  Healthcare and Non-Healthcare
  • Average increase:  6.58% (26 contracts)

National Wage Settlements:

According to an article published by Bloomberg Law entitled, “ANALYSIS:  Wage Hikes for Union Workers Hit New Heights in Q1,” dated July 30, 2024, workers received record high wage settlements on the national level as well.  The report analyzed 155 union contracts ratified in Q1, covering 184,200 union employees nationwide.  Workers received an average first-year increase of 7.3%.  When factoring in signing bonuses and lump-sum payments, the average first-year increase jumped to 8%.

HEC Negotiations as of September 30, 2024

HEC negotiators are assisting 11 HEC member companies with the following negotiations:

• Kapiolani Medical Center negotiations with HNA (Registered Nurses)
• Wilcox Hospital negotiations with HNA (Registered nurses)
• Maui Health Systems/Maui Memorial Hospital negotiations with the United Nurse Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals Union (Registered nurses, Clerical, Therapists, Pharmacists)
• Maui Publishing negotiations with Pacific Media Guild negotiations - Hawaii Typesetters Union (Editorial staff, Reporters, Photographers, Outside Sales)
• Young Brothers negotiations with ILWU 100 (Supervisors for Interisland Shipping Operations – Honolulu)
• Kapiolani Medical Center negotiations with HNA (Respiratory Therapists)
• Queens Medical Center negotiations with HNA (Transporters)
• Queens Medical Center negotiations with Teamsters 996 (Senior Supply Clerks)
• East West Center/AFSCME (Academic and non-academic positions including but not limited to Program Coordinator, Researcher, Maintenance crew)
• HiCare Choice negotiations with HNA (Registered Nurses)
• GCLA/BILA negotiations with Masons Local 1/Cement Finishers Local 630

Construction Report

HEC recently achieved three settlements with the following Unions:

• Carpenters Union:  5-year agreement ratified by GCLA/BILA members on September 19, 2024
• Laborers International Union of North America:  5-year agreement ratified by GCLA/BILA members on September 19, 2024
• Operating Engineers:  5-year agreement ratified by GCLA/BILA members on September 19, 2024