Travel bookings on the other side of this Labor Day holiday are said to be softening. September and October traditionally tend to be slower times in the visitor industry. And with COVID cases in the islands soaring, it is cause for concern for our economic recovery. Unite Here! Local Five is the union that represents a majority of hotel workers in Waikīkī and Kaiser Permanente. The Conversation spoke with Eric Gill, the union's business manager, to discuss cut jobs and member concerns. Its members rallied over the Labor Day weekend. Its Kaiser Permanente members are currently negotiating a new working contract. Its current contract runs out at the end of September.
This interview aired on The Conversation on Sept. 7, 2021.
