Maui Mayor Expresses Appreciation for UPW Ratification

Mayor Charmaine Tavares joined Hawaii’s three other mayors in expressing gratitude over the United Public Workers Unit 1’s ratification vote for a new collective bargaining pact.  Tavares said she is pleased with the approval vote of 88%

Tavares said the collaboration demonstrates that when discussions are held face-to-face, agreements can be reached with good results.

The Hawaii Council of Mayors released a joint statement on Friday expressing appreciation for the UPW-Unit 1 ratification vote.  Mayor’s Bernard Carvalho, Jr. or Kauai County, Mayor Mufi Hannemann of the City and County of Honolulu, Mayor Billy Kenoi of Hawaii County, and Mayor Charmaine Tavares of Maui County issued the following statement:

“After months of discussions, we’re pleased that the new labor proposal for public employees represented by the United Public Workers was overwhelmingly ratified with 88% of voters approving the contract.”

“We’re grateful that the UPW recognized the need for shared sacrifices during a very difficult economic period and came to the table ready to collaborate on paring spending.  The public is very dependent on the services provided by UPW members and we believe this agreement will ensure we can continue to fulfill our obligations.”

“We’re very pleased that we were able to bring the parties to the table and gain the cooperation of the UPW leadership throughout this process.  Today’s contract agreement is the direct result of the unprecedented collaboration among the four county mayors and the tireless efforts between them and the union.”

The new collective bargaining agreement covers approximately 9,000 state and county workers across Hawaii.  Among other provisions, the contract calls for up to 13 furlough days during the remainder of the current fiscal year and up to 24 furlough days for the fiscal year that begins July 2, 2010.