Honolulu Mayor Urges Union, HECO Compromise
03/05/2011
Adrienne LaFrance/Civil Beat
Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle on Saturday urged members of the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and HECO officials to reach an agreement, as non-union crews work to restore power to Oahu.
Carlisle, who is often critical of unions, said he is trying to stay neutral in the bargaining dispute. But he was stern in his characterization of how important resolution is.
"I've spoken with both representatives of HECO and IBEW," Carlisle told reporters Saturday at City Hall. "They both know that I want them to meet and settle their differences as soon as possible. Period."
About 1,700 Oahu residents are still without power, but city officials said the lack of electricity so far hasn't caused serious accidents or death.
"Of the 2,000 customers and homes that were without power this morning, only 300 have been fixed so far," Carlisle said. "The problem is an underground wire, and all efforts are being made to find the exact location (of the problem)."
Electricity problems began with a Thursday night storm that pounded Oahu. It coincided with union workers for utility company HECO choosing to strike. Members of the local IBEW chapter last month rejected a tentative contract agreement.
