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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Union hopes workers won't lose homes

 •  Del Monte acreage should 'stay ag land'

By Greg Wiles
Advertiser Staff Writer

Officials are looking at how they can help about 125 worker, manager and retiree families that rent inexpensive homes from Del Monte Fresh Produce, which is shutting down operations in the state.

Fred Galdones, president of ILWU Local 142, said the union is meeting with the company and landowner Campbell Estate to see if the workers can continue to stay in the housing after they stop receiving paychecks from the pineapple grower in January.

Del Monte on Friday said it was ceasing operations immediately, two years ahead of schedule, causing anxiety among those renting about 120 homes from the company.

"They are not interested in displacing anyone out of their homes right now," Galdones said, indicating Del Monte wanted to solve the issue.

He said he has a meeting with Campbell Estate to see what lease changes are needed to allow the renters to remain on the property.

Reach Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com.