The clock is ticking for Hawaiian Telcom union employees who are working without a contract.
Members of the IBEW Local Union 1357 have until tomorrow to turn in their strike authorization ballots.
Union leaders say ballots will be counted on Monday, and if majority authorizes a strike, and if the international office approves, the Hawaiian Telcom union workers could walk off the job as early as Tuesday.
The picket signs are already printed, and the folks at the headquarters of the IBEW Local Union 1357 are getting ready for tomorrow’s strike training session.
"We’re flying in our union leaders from the state, and we start our training at 9 o’clock just to go over some of the dos and don’ts, and the rationale of why we’re doing this," said Scot Long, IBEW Local Union 1357 Business Manager.
The IBEW 1357 represents approximately 750 Hawaiian Telcom employees, including the workers who install and repair the phone lines, and the customer service reps.
"If the membership gives us the authority to strike, then we’re going to move on what the membership wants," said Long.
The union lists some of its main gripes with the company’s last, best and final offer such as cutting sick leave days by 30%.
Hawaiian Telcom’s response to that is: "Employees currently may take up to 26 weeks of fully paid sick leave each year. the company’s offer provides up to 8 weeks fully-paid sick leave annually."
Another main gripe: the union workers would have to start paying 10% for their medical and dental premiums, when they currently pay nothing towards full healthcare coverage for themselves and their dependents.
The company says the 10% would still be less than the 15% which management employees contribute.
"We’re not greedy, we’re just asking for to maintain the status that we have. Keep our benefits the same. We’re not asking for any wage increases, just keep everything the same," said Long.
Hawaiian Telcom exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy a year ago.
The company says its last, best and final offer "balances all parties’ needs with the realities of competition in the communications business and a challenging economy."
If the Hawaiian Telcom union workers go on strike, it would be the first time since the 1970′s.
Hawaiian Telcom says it has contingency plans and preparations in case that happens.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
