Currently, graduate students at UH are the only state-employed workers that are not permitted to unionize or collectively bargain with their employer.

Thirteen unfair labor practice charges have been filed against Aqua-Aston since February.

The company says the dispute is over an out-of-date handbook and “misunderstandings,” but workers say management retaliated with bullying and harassment after they sought union representation.

Proponents of exempting Hawaiʻi from the domestic build requirement say it would create a larger market and foster greater competition in ocean shipping for the noncontiguous trades.

Aikea, a labor movement organized by hospitality & healthcare union UNITE HERE! Local 5, rallied at Honolulu Hale today in support of Honolulu City Council Bill 16.