Matson, Union Workers Agree On Contract
(Honolulu Advertiser)
Matson Navigation Co. and 200 unionized workers have reached a tentative contract settlement, the Honolulu Advertiser reports.
The agreement came on Monday, the day the previous union contract was set to expire. The workers had earlier approved a strike authorization vote. Matson Navigation carries about 80 percent of all sea-bound goods to Hawaii, and is a major shipper to Guam and the Western Pacific.
The newspaper said the five-year contract covers members of three separate unions: the Sailors Union of the Pacific; the Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association; and the Seafarers International Union — Marine Cooks, according to Matson spokesman Jeff Hull.
A ratification vote is expected to be held over the next several weeks.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/BUSINESS/807020383/1188/BUSINESSFRONT

