Hawaiian Telcom To Implement Contract on December 1

By Wendy Osher

Those walking the picket lines had mixed weather on Thursday, November 10, 2011. A rainbow appeared for a brief period as union members concluded their first day of a two-day strike. File photo by Wendy Osher.

With collective bargaining reaching an impasse between Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc. and union members with the IBEW Local 1357, the company plans to move forward with its last, best and final offer.

The union has voiced opposition to the company’s offer and staged a 2-day walk-out earlier this month. Union workers had expressed concerns that the contract would threaten pensions, and affect medical, dental, and sick leave.

Company officials say that while pensions are being frozen at current values, there is a 1% annual compounded wage increase for three years, $500 bonus annually for three years, up to eight weeks of sick leave,healthcare at 10% employee contribution, and enhanced 401(k) match.

“By implementing the Last, Best and Final Offer at this time, Hawaiian Telcom is acting with the best interests of customers, all employees, and the Company’s future in mind,” company officials said in a press release.

Hawaiian Telcom plans to implement the new contract on December 1st.