Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

There was more union activity than normal this Saturday, outside the new Walgreens store (formerly Borders) in Hilo’s Waiakea Center. The site has been the location of constant labor picketing and banners during the renovations for the new pharmacy.

The Hilo Field Representative for the Hawaii Carpenters Union Local 745, Dean Au, led fellow members around the building, demonstrating against the company’s hiring practices.

Union leaders say it is part of a larger, state wide fight with the Walgreens, and other companies using subcontractors who do not adhere to area “prevailing wages”. Private companies are not subject to the same prevailing wage standards as government contracts are, by law.

The new Hilo Walgreens is only days away from its Grand Opening celebration.