Unions tested even in labor-friendly Hawaii
MARK NIESSE | Associated Press
April 16, 2011
HONOLULU (AP) — Even in the bluest of states, Hawaii’s government employee labor unions are swallowing pay cuts and deep benefit reforms brought on by the state’s financial troubles.
But they aren’t fighting the changes much, with the state’s largest union tentatively accepting a 5 percent salary reduction and broad overhauls of retirement perks that brought fierce opposition in previous years.
Union leader Randy Perreira said even though Democrats control most of the state’s elected offices and unionization levels are among the highest in the nation, workers understand that long-term costs must be contained.
“The proposed changes are things that ideologically, we union guys don’t agree with,” said Perreira, executive director for the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest public employee union representing more than 28,000 active workers. “But you’ll notice that we haven’t stepped up in opposition, simply because we realize these changes may be necessary.”
Read more @ Beaumont Enterprise.
Photo: Sarah Ackerman
I happen to be one of the union stewards for bu 09 and I can clearly state this IS NOT HOW 09 FEELS!!! It is as if our leaders aren’t even trying. We will not go down quietly!!!