OF July/August 2011 VOICE THE ILWU page 1

Volume 51 • No. 4 The VOICE of the ILWU—Published by Local 142, International Longshore & Warehouse Union July/August 2011 Address L a be l Address L a be l NLRB hands big victory to ILWU and Pacific Beach Hotel workers National Labor Relations Board orders HTH management to obey the law.

ILWU rank-and-file members from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, ILWU Local Executive Board members and supporters from the 30th Western Regional Summer Institute for Union Women rallied on June 17, 2011 to call for HTH management to stop the delays and injustices to workers of the Pacific Beach Hotel. On the Inside he June 14, 2011, NLRB which found the hotel in violation made whole for any lost wages. decision in favor of the union of numerous provisions of federal Judge Kennedy found that HTH • Workers benefit from political Tis a huge victory in the fight labor law. Furthermore, the NLRB violated the law when it closed the action, page 2 for justice for the workers of the Pa- panel imposed new remedies based Hotel’s Shogun Restaurant and cific Beach Hotel. on the findings of the NLRB Gen- permanently laid off restaurant em- • 2012 International Convention “We call on HTH and the manage- eral Counsel which went beyond the ployees. The General Counsel did not set for San Diego, page 3 ment of the Pacific Beach Hotel to recommendations made by Judge seek a remedy for these employees obey the law and negotiate a fair Kennedy. and the NLRB ordered Judge Kenne- • First Statewide General union contract with the ILWU for The decision was issued on June dy to review the issue and determine Trades Caucus held, the workers of the hotel. The NLRB 14, 2011, and gives HTH manage- whether a make-whole remedy is ap- pages 4 & 5 ruled in favor of nearly all of the ment 14 days to comply with the propriate for the affected employees. union’s complaints and rejected HTH order. The Board is the highest policy The NLRB will order HTH to • Summer Institute for Union arguments and objections to the making body of the federal agency offer full reinstatement to the Women, page 7 actions and decisions of the labor charged with administering and en- seven union supporters fired by the board,” said ILWU Oahu Division forcing the National Labor Relations company. They are Keith Kapena • Around the Union, page 8 Director Dave Mori. Act which protects workers’ rights to Kanaiaupuni, Darryl Miyashiro, “The clear legal arguments and organize into unions. Todd Hatanaka, Rhandy Villanueva, strongly worded decision of the The NLRB panel agreed with Virginia Recaido, Ruben Bumanglag, equivalent positions with no loss of three-member panel of the National Judge Kennedy and the Gen- and Virbina Revamonte. If their seniority or any other rights. The ho- Labor Relations Board leaves no eral Counsel that the new 90-day former jobs are no longer available, tel will also make them whole for any doubt that any further appeal and probationary period imposed by man- they shall be offered substantially loss of earnings and other benefits, delay by HTH Corporation would be agement of the Pacific Beach Hotel in equivalent positions, with the same with interest compounded daily. futile and pointless. It would prolong was unlawful. Judge Ken- seniority and other rights, and made the injustice suffered by the work- nedy did not specifically require the whole for any loss of earnings and The NLRB ordered the hotel to ers of the Pacific Beach Hotel, and hotel to reinstate and make whole benefits as a result of the discrimina- reimburse the union for all negotiat- it would be an irrational waste of any employee who failed to pass this tion against them. ing expenses from January 5, 2006, money for HTH,” added Mori. probationary period. However, the Backpay and other monetary until December 1, 2007 and for a On Friday, June 17, 2011, from NLRB will order HTH to reinstate damages will be paid with interest responsible corporate executive to 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm the ILWU held and make whole (pay any lost wages compounded on a daily basis. All read the NLRB’s order in a meeting a rally at the Pacific Beach Hotel to and benefits) any employee dis- records of their unlawful discharge of employees. support justice for the workers and missed during the new probationary will be removed from their employee The panel rejected HTH’s claims call on HTH management to obey the period, unless the dismissal was for records. that Judge Kennedy was prejudiced law. just cause. The NLRB also ordered the com- and biased against the company. Judge Kennedy did not rule on pany to resume bargaining with Summary of NLRB decision the union’s complaint that HTH the ILWU, to furnish all informa- A three-member panel of the violated the law when it rehired a tion requested by the union, and to HTH Appeals National Labor Relations Board number of employees but assigned reinstate all tentative agreements In the latest news, on July 13, in Washington D.C. rejected HTH them to different jobs at lower wages. reached in prior negotiation sessions. 2011, HTH has petitoned the 9th Corporation’s objections and adopted The NLRB agreed with the General All employees not rehired on Circuit Court of Appeals for a review most of the decisions of Administra- Counsel that these employees should December 1, 2007, will be offered full of the NLRB decision. tive Law Judge James M. Kennedy be reinstated to their former jobs and reinstatement to their former jobs or —Related story on page 3

The next Local 142 Executive Board (LEB) meeting is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. on September 23, 2011, at the ILWU union hall, 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu. ILWU members are welcome to attend as observers. OF page 2 VOICE THE ILWU July/August 2011 Workers make gains through political action The 2011 Session of ’s State get a part-time job while laid off, the status for the 60 days. Under the first $150 of earnings every week is new law enacted this year, the State disregarded in the calculation of the Department of Labor is specifically Legislature was preoccupied with worker’s benefit, which is paid in full. authorized to enforce the Dislocated So they receive full Unemployment Worker Law. trimming $1.2 billion from the cost of benefits and can keep $150 of their wages each week. Also passed and supported operating the state’s government, but a by the ILWU No discrimination for Civil Unions. Despite opposition sick leave use from anti-gay marriage and con- number of important laws were passed After several years of trying, a servative religious groups, SB232 law was finally passed this session passed with little organized opposi- which will benefit workers. to prohibit “barring,” “withholding tion and was the first bill signed into pay,” or “demoting” an employee for law this session. The failure of the Partial unemployment benefits (2) exempt work search and use of sick leave. The law applies opposition to unseat an openly gay In response to concerns raised by registration requirements for those only to employers with 100 or more legislator in last year’s elections and members who were “attached” to receiving Partial Unemployment employees and a collective bargain- the election of a Governor strongly a regular employer but their work benefits; and (3) codify “good cause” ing agreement in place. The bill supportive of civil unions signaled hours were reduced or they were laid reasons for any worker receiving had been introduced to address the the bill’s smooth passage and enact- off due to temporary closure of their benefits to quit a part-time job. growing practice among employers to ment. companies, the ILWU had a bill in- This means, for example, when unilaterally institute or to negotiate The ILWU Local PAC voted to troduced, and passed, to address the a hotel shuts down for months due so-called “no-fault” attendance poli- support civil unions as a civil rights issue of Partial Unemployment ben- to major renovation of the property, cies that would consider any absence, issue. This bill adds a new chapter to efits. The new law, which took effect employees who are still attached to regardless of the reason, as an inci- the Hawaii Revised Statutes which July 1, will: (1) remove the sunset on the employer can apply for Partial dent that could accumulate and lead provides for two individuals to enter provisions for Partial Unemployment Unemployment benefits and will to discipline. into a with the same and make those provisions perma- not be required to look for work to Under these policies, an employee rights, benefits, protections, and re- nent; qualify for benefits. However, if they who is absent due to legitimate ill- sponsibilities as a married couple of nesses could be disciplined up to and the opposite sex. including discharge. The ILWU tes- Transgender equity. The law was tified that this practice is contrary to amended to add gender identity other sections of collective bargain- and expression to the list of illegal Buy Books, Help ILWU Workers ing agreement that provide for sick discrimination under Hawaii’s civil leave. Furthermore, such no-fault buy your books at www.powellsunion.com rights law. Section 378-2 of Hawaii policies encourage employees to come Revised Statutes now reads: The workers at Powell’s Bookstore in Portland, Oregon, are to work sick or face loss of income. members of the ILWU Local 5. They have negotiated a partnership The bill passed and became law with the owner of Powell’s Books where 10 percent of all purchases on July 1. However, administrative “It shall be an unlawful discrimina- made from the the ILWU Local 5 website go directly to the members rules must be promulgated to clarify tory practice: because of race, of Local 5. Some of this money will be used to assist members the law and will be subject to public sex, including gender identity or displaced by recent layoffs at Powell’s. hearing. expression, sexual orientation, Powell’s is an independent bookstore and has over one million age, religion, color, ancestry, titles, and sells both used and new books. Most book orders over $50 Enforcement of the Dislocated disability, marital status, or arrest and court record...” qualify for free shipping. Worker Law If you like to read books, try buying union at Powell’s Books, the In 1987, Hawaii’s Dislocated It shall be unlawful to discrimi- union alternative to other book sellers such as Amazon.com and Worker Law was enacted as result nate against any individual for Barnes & Noble. of the abrupt mass layoff of ILWU members at Airport Holiday Inn these reasons in employment, union on New Year’s Eve. The Dislocated membership, housing, public ac- Recommended reading by Ha-Joon Chang Worker Law now requires employers commodations, or access to services to give 60 days notice or the equiva- receiving state financial assistance. 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism is a fun and easy to lent in pay for this period. However, Relief from Mortgage Foreclosures. read book written by Ha-Joon Chang, an economist originally from South when employers violate the law, SB 651 provides for a temporary Korea who lives in England and teaches at the University of Cambridge. workers themselves, or their union, mortgage foreclosure dispute Chang has advised a number of United Nations organizations on the had to file a lawsuit for relief. This resolution program and authorizes economics of development. is what the ILWU was told when one conversion from non-judicial to judi- In this book, Chang exposes the fallacies and myths of capitalism and company proposed to place workers cial foreclosure. The ILWU testified in support of this bill. free trade. He explains how global capitalism and American society is on “no work offered” (and no pay) dominated by the super rich and how they cause economic disasters such as the great recession of 2008. Reading this book will help you understand how Tea Party and Republican Party policies of no more taxes, blaming CORRECTION to the May/June 2011 issue of the VOICE of the ILWU: everything on public workers, and union busting serves the super rich and Hawaii Longshore Division Officers Henry Kreutz and Charles Kimo Brown will destroy the living standards of middle-class Americans. were inadvertently omitted from the listing of Division Officers and Staff (see corrected listing below). Chapter one explains how there is no such thing as a free market, free trade, or free competition. Wealthy people got rich by using the power of H A W A I I L O N G S H O R E D I V I S I O N government and public tax dollars to subsidize their business and protect their industries from foreign competition. After their businesses become Honolulu Phone: (808) 949-4161 • E-mail: [email protected] large and powerful enough to go global, the myth of free trade is used Honolulu Office: 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, HI 96814 to open the markets of developing countries to be freely exploited by the Nate Lum ...... Division Director global corporations of the wealthy. William Haole IV...... Vice Division Director Henry Kreutz...... Vice Division Director Another recommended book by Chang (available through Powell’s) Charles Kimo Brown...... Secretary-Treasurer is Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History Dennis Morton...... Business Agent of Capitalism. You can learn more about Chang at his website: www. Tyrone Tahara ...... Business Agent hajoonchang.net—and read some of his articles for free. Lynette Mau...... Executive Secretary OF July/August 2011 VOICE THE ILWU page 3

NLRB finds Pacific Beach Hotel discriminated against employees, bargained in bad faith Reinstatement, bargaining, and payment of union’s bargaining expense ordered The National Labor Relations able conduct by the Hotel. The ILWU who had been fired. Additionally, the negotiating expenses and to have a Board, in a 3-0 decision issued on prevailed in a second election, held court ordered the parties to resume responsible corporate official publicly Tuesday June 14, 2011, found that in 2004. However despite dozens of bargaining from the point where read a remedial notice to employees. the Pacific Beach Hotel (HTH Corp.), negotiating sessions, the two sides negotiations had broken off and to Commenting on the Board’s order, violated the National Labor Rela- failed to reach agreement on a con- have Hotel managers read the court’s NLRB Hawaii Officer-in-Charge Tom tions Act in numerous respects—the tract. order to all employees. Cestare said, “This order is the latest latest episode in a 10-year effort by In September 2009, following a 13- The federal court case has contin- step in what has regrettably become the International Longshore and day hearing, a NLRB Administrative ued as the NLRB has alleged that a war of attrition against an em- Warehouse Union (ILWU) to secure Law Judge ruled that the Hotel had the Hotel and its principal manager ployer that appears to be determined a collective bargaining agreement for committed numerous unfair labor have failed to comply with the court’s to thwart the employees’ legitimate approximately 500 employees at the practices against the Union over the 2010 order. rights to bargain collectively through prominent Waikiki lodging. intervening years. This prompted Tuesday’s order requires the Hotel representatives of their own choos- The case dates back to 2002, when a request for an injunction in the to offer reinstatement to a number ing. We remain steadfast in our Local 142 of the ILWU sought to District Court for Ha- of employees, resume bargaining, resolve to see this case through to a organize about 565 hotel staff mem- waii, which in March 2010 ordered and make employees whole for their just conclusion.” bers. Results of the initial election, the Hotel to recognize the Union, losses. In addition, in a relatively which the union lost, were set aside bargain in good faith for a contract, rare move, the Board directed the by the Board because of objection- and reinstate five union activists Hotel to reimburse the Union for its San Diego site of 2012 ILWU International Convention The 26th ILWU International Convention is scheduled to run five days from June 4-8, 2012, at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, . The ILWU International Con- vention is the highest policy making body of the union and is held every three years. Its location is rotated through seven regions of the ILWU—Southern California, Hawaii, Oregon/Columbia River, November 2009. The Local pays all Northern California, Canada, and costs for these 20 delegates, such as Washington/Puget Sound/Alaska. airfare, lost wages, hotel and sub- Alaska is a separate region but com- sistence. Units may elect additional bines with Washington/Puget Sound delegates but must pay all costs for to host the Convention. these delegates. Units must have The Convention sets policy for the the approval of their membership or International ILWU and nominates have a finance policy that allows for candidates running as titled officers paying these costs. Units must also or members of the International elect these delegates by secret ballot Union’s executive board. in a properly noticed unit election. Local 142 Hawaii is the largest local within the ILWU and usually The 2015 International ILWU sends over 100 delegates to the Inter- Convention will be held in Hawaii. national Convention. Local 142 is one In 2018, the Convention will be held of over 40 local unions in the United in the Oregon/Columbia River area, Unite HERE Local 5 Financial Secretary-Treasurer Eric Gill, ILWU Local States, the Inlandboatmen’s Union of followed by Northern California in 142 President Isaac Fiesta, Jr., ILWU Local 142 Secretary-Treasurer Guy Fujimura, and State Representative Tom Brower speak to members of the Pacific, and ILWU Canada which 2021, then Canada in 2024. the press about the labor dispute at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. The Unite make up the International ILWU. HERE Local 5 boycott includes the Hyatt Regency Waikiki on Oahu, but Local 142’s Constitution pro- Local 142 Convention does not include the Hyatt Regency Maui or the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the vides that the local’s three titled The ILWU Local 142 Convention— Hyatt hotels organized by the ILWU 142. officers and five division directors the highest decision-making body for are delegates to the International Local 142, is scheduled to be held for Convention. Another 20 delegates four days on September 18-21, 2012, from the rank-and-file were elected at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Need a copy of your union contract? in union-wide elections held last Resort in Honolulu. Contact your steward or unit officer. What are the ILWU’s industrial groups?

In September 1952, four separate industries such as bakeries, automo- become the ILWU’s second largest ILWU locals joined together to form tive dealers, trucking, supermarkets, grouping with 5,500 members, add- Local 142. The four ILWU locals and manufacturing. ing credit unions, memorial parks, were longshore, sugar, pineapple, In 1961, the ILWU successfully golf courses, hospitals, and other and general trades. At the time, The VOICE of the ILWU (ISSN 0505-8791) is organized 350 workers at four Inter- companies. Longshore has 1,000 published every other month for $2 per year by sugar was the largest grouping with Island Resort hotels. The grouping members. Sugar, once the largest Hawaii International Longshore & Warehouse over 17,000 members; pineapple Union, 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii grew rapidly and Tourism officially grouping, has declined to one compa- 96814. Periodicals postage paid at the post office had 4,200 members, longshore had became the fifth industrial when the ny on Maui with about 600 members. of Honolulu, Hawaii. 1,800 members; and general trades Local 142 Constitution was amended Pineapple, once the second largest POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VOICE had 500 members. Sugar, pineapple, in 1967. Tourism is now the union’s grouping, is down to three units on of the ILWU, c/o ILWU Local 142, 451 Atkinson and longshore organized companies Drive, Honolulu, HI 96814. Editorial Board: Isaac largest industrial group with over the islands of Maui and Oahu with a Fiesta Jr., Donna Domingo and Guy K. Fujimura. in those industries. General trades 8,000 members. total of about 300 members. included companies from all other General Trades has also grown to Editor: Mel Chang OF page 4 VOICE THE ILWU July/August 2011 Over 180 member-delegates from 84 ILWU units attended the first caucus of the union’s General Trades Industrial Grouping on June 20 and 21, 2011. Delegates 2011 Statewide from the union’s Sugar and Pineapple Groupings, and Longshore Grouping mechanics also attended the meeting. Included in the count of delegates are 38 General Trades Caucus full-time officers and staff of the union. is first for ILWU LWU Local 142 President Isaac Fiesta Jr. opened the Caucus members look to future with a Imeeting by explaining that the caucus would focus on three issues: medical benefits, retirement ben- focus on improving medical, pensions, efits, and organizing. The goal is to Chart 1 • Increase in Output improve our members’ medical and and organizing new members retirement benefits, and organizing Per Hour, 2000 - 2009 is the means to achieve these goals. Isaac told the delegates, “We need to organize our members to stand united, and we need to organize non- union companies to bring them up to our standards, instead of having them threaten our standards by com- peting against our companies. If we organize our units and stand united, we can get it done. We have to look to the future and don’t just look at what we can get today.”

ILWU Health & Welfare Trust Paul Tom, the ILWU’s consultant ILWU Local 142 President Isaac Fiest Jr. laid out the three major goals of on medical plans, explained how the the General Trades Caucus: improve medical benefits, improve retirement union’s Health and Welfare Trust benefits, and organize new members into the ILWU. Fund has been a huge success. The ILWU started the Health and Wel- and is beginning to deliver the same tirees Plan, also known as the VEBA fare Trust Fund five years ago in success by lowering co-payments for plan, was an effort by the union to the tourism industry. The Tourism members and lowering medical costs begin to provide some retiree medical Health and Welfare Fund has kept for employers. However, the fund benefits. The Local originally want- medical costs under control, has needs to grow a little larger and add ed to pay for the benefit from the responded quickly to fix problems more participants in order to get the union’s general fund, but the union’s Maui members Trent Minor from Troon Golf, Kapalua, Garrett Hera from Castle & Cooke raised by members, and in some full benefits of self-funding like the finances took a hit during the reces- Lanai, Dane Kaneshina from Maui Lani Golf Course, Francis Kamakaokalani from Ameron cases saved hundreds of dollars a tourism fund. sion following the 9/11 attack and made the report from the “miscellaneous” discussion group, which included construction, month for both members and their the Gulf War. The plan was complete- golf course, and memorial park units. employers. Providing medical benefits ly changed and contributions were The Tourism Health and Welfare for ILWU retirees lowered to $3.00 a month per mem- leg; and personal savings is the third Trust Fund is able to achieve these A long term goal of the union is to ber which would be paid out of the leg. The stool is only strong and sta- benefits because it eliminates the provide medical benefits to retirees. unit’s fund. This would only provide ble with all three legs. Take away any fees and profits paid to a middle- Paul cautioned that it needs to be the member with a modest benefit of one leg, and the stool will fall over. man (such as HMSA); is directly done in small steps over time. One $360 plus interest after ten years. Most union negotiated pension controlled by trustees appointed by way this can be done is where the Units and individual members can plans are defined-benefit plans. the union and employer who can union negotiates a benefit where an increase their contribution to the Nearly all union pension plans lost act quickly to fix problems; and is employee can retire at age 62 but fund, which would give members a 20-40 percent of their value during self-funded where the Trust Fund is treated like an active employee larger benefit when they retire. the 2009 financial crisis. This will re- pays the bills and saves money in and the company continues to pay If a unit votes to leave the fund, quire the union to negotiate a much a reserve fund to pay for expensive for their medical benefits until age however, they would forfeit all the higher employer contribution to the medical procedures. By being self- 65, when they qualify for Medicare money they contributed earlier and plan in order to provide adequate funded, the Trust Fund can better coverage. The advantage to the their members would get nothing. retirement benefits. control costs and negotiate better employer is that these medical costs Units should continue to support and deals with health care providers. appear as current expenses and does participate in the Future Retirees Defined benefit plans A similar Health and Welfare not have to be carried on their books Plan. are better Trust Fund for general trades and as a future liability. Many members don’t understand other industries was started in 2008 Paul explained how the Future Re- Pension plans take care the advantages and benefits of a of your future defined-benefit pension. It is very Charles Furuike, the union’s different from a defined-contribution expert on pension plans, explained plan, which is more like a 401k or why union members need to under- savings plan. Employers want to stand the importance of negotiating eliminate defined-benefit pensions substantial improvements to their in order to limit their liability and pension plans. Too often, our mem- put the risk onto the workers. Some bers are short-sighted and place a workers mistakenly believe they are higher priority on getting a wage in- better off with a 401k plan instead of crease instead of negotiating higher a defined-benefit pension. Personal pension contributions to take care of savings is important, but this would their needs when they retiree. This leave only two legs of the three- can be a big mistake and many mem- legged stool. 401k plans also lost a bers nearing retirement age discover lot of their value during the 2009 they face a big loss of income and an financial crisis. uncertain future because Social Se- curity and their pension benefits will Involving members to not provide enough money to support reach our goals their current standard of living. How do we get unit members to Members need to understand that support the Health and Welfare (L-r) Hawaii Division Business Agent Corinna Salmo, Diane Galban (ML a good retirement is like a three- Trust Fund and support the goal of Macadamia Orchards LP), Jovena Moses (Punalu’u Bake Shop), and Kim legged stool. Social Security is one negotiating higher contributions to Viloria (Foodland Super Market, Ltd. Waimea). leg; a company pension is the second their company defined-benefit pen- OF July/August 2011 VOICE THE ILWU page 5

second election. It took time away from my family but one day a week 2011 Statewide for three months won’t hurt. It gets you involved. You know what’s hap- pening on election day—you know General Trades Caucus what it means because you helped is first for ILWU this guy win.” Caucus second day: mobilizing and organizing Caucus members look to future with a On the second day of the caucus, delegates divided into five groups to focus on improving medical, pensions, talk about how they would mobilize their units and organize non-union and organizing new members companies into the ILWU. These are some highlights from the reports they gave to the full caucus.

Agriculture Industry Report Kelly Rudias, from Hawaiian Com- mercial & Sugar Co. Maui talked about the challenges they face orga- nizing in agriculture, where the big Kauai caucus participants included (l-r) Charlie Rodrigues (Mid-Pac Auto), monster is Monsanto. This company Herbert Kekuawela and Jon Garcia (Kauai Commercial), and Jayelle Bray and held lots of meetings and one-on-one Doreen Kua (Wilcox Memorial Hospital). to brainwash people. “Why should workers organize?” asked Ruidas, ership; spread responsibility and those sections. “Because employees know the union work; and work to have members will back them up and back them feel invested in their union. Involv- Why Union Political Action? up with a union contract. They will ing members builds union power, Joanne Kealoha, who also does know their legal rights. We need to explained Joanne. legislative work for the ILWU, listed find the core group or ‘pushers’ inside the results of this year’s Legislative the company. These people know Organizing new members Session. She explained that ILWU other people. There are ‘drivers’ who Wesley Furtado, International units need to get involved in the push, ‘thinkers’ who get too philo- Vice President Hawaii, explained ILWU political action program. She sophical, and ‘socializers’ who talk to why the union needs to organize new urged unit leaders to “get your mem- each other. Be active in community members into the union. The union bers involved. Talk to them, get them service as you can network with the needs to have the numbers and the registered to vote and inform them same people who are in politics. This Maui members Trent Minor from Troon Golf, Kapalua, Garrett Hera from Castle & Cooke majority of an industry organized in about the union recommendations.” Huffington Post survey found that 32 Lanai, Dane Kaneshina from Maui Lani Golf Course, Francis Kamakaokalani from Ameron order to set the standard for wages Jose Miramontes, from Hawaii percent of workers consider leaving made the report from the “miscellaneous” discussion group, which included construction, and benefits in the industry instead Logistics, recounted his experiences their jobs in 2010, compared to 25 golf course, and memorial park units. of having non-union companies drag in helping the union’s endorsed percent in 2005. That is a lot of dis- us down. candidates in the 2010 elections. “I satisfaction.” sion plans? International Representative Tra- didn’t really want to get involved Local 142 Secretary-Treasurer Guy cy Takano explained how the union but got involved to learn something Juanita Pedra, from ML Macada- Fujimura answered this question in decides which company and work- new.” Jose said. “We helped with the mia Orchards Kau, said “We need his presentation on the ILWU’s unit ers to organize. We evaluate if the for Congress cam- to look at targets that compete with structure. Guy explained that the company is making money; if we can paign. She looks out for the workers, us, like Macfarms, Honokaa Macnut, purpose of the unit structure was get a contract; if it is a competitor; if came from Waianae and knows and Olsen Farms. We need to look to get results—to involve members it is expansion of existing workforce; about poverty and working hard. She for leaders in the company we are or- in the union, to activate members if it makes sense for us; and if we can was up against Republican Charles ganizing and in the community who and their families, and to meet the benefit the workers. Most of our orga- Djou. I helped with phone bank- can talk to workers.” needs of members on a day-to-day nizing will lead to an election among ing — whoa, that’s rough. We went basis. When the unit structure first the workers which is supervised by a with Kam, Dillon, and George from Health Care Industry Report evolved in the sugar industry, units federal government agency—the Na- Hawaii Logistics. We walked the hills David Gravatt from Kapiolani were large, with hundreds of mem- tional Labor Relations Board, or by of Pacific Palisades. In the first elec- Hospital said, “There are a lot of bers, and workers lived in plantation the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. tion, people voted for Charles Djou, departments in Hawaii Pacific housing. The ILWU would organize Organizer Ron Cough shared his but person to person contact made Health (HPH) that are non-bargain- the entire community—the jobsites experiences in talking to workers. a difference and Hanabusa won the —continued on page 6 and the plantation camps. The union Ron is a full-time organizer and extended into the family and social found that workers will listen more lives of members. The union had a to another worker. “They look at me membership services program which as a full-time union staffer and think showed movies for the kids, orga- I’m just saying what I have to say. nized activities for families, ran a Workers talking to workers is the number of team sports, and provided most effective.” other social services to members. Guy Fujimura added that union Guy said, “the Unit was the most political action helped pass laws effective way to organize our power which helped the ILWU organize collectively to achieve our aims. It workers into the union. One of the was the way to organize and best use key accomplishments was prepaid our discipline and resources to get health (it took 8 years of effort before results.” The unit structure was how the law was passed), the little Wag- the union had contact with every ner Act which created the Hawaii member and how every member had Labor Relations Board, and the card contact with their union. check bill that passed the legislature. Social Services Coordinator Joanne Kealoha told the delegates we need Contract pitfalls to invigorate and involve members. Contract Administrator Michael We need to change our culture where Murata listed and reviewed those we tend to rely on one person like sections of the union contract where Oahu Division healthcare industry members Joni Eubanks (Hawaii Pacific our unit officer or business agent. members need to be watchful and to Health) and David Gravatt (Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children) Joanne urged delegates to energize get officers involved if there are any reported some great ideas on using social networking to organize non-union their unit members—develop lead- management proposals to change sectors of the health care industry.

OF page 6 VOICE THE ILWU July/August 2011 2011 Bouslog Labor Scholarship winners Nine fortunate and deserving high grandmother, Elena Burbano, retired 8. Royalene “Mele” Fernandez (La- nity College. school seniors from ILWU families from the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel— nai High & Elementary). Her mother 9. Jenna Shibano (Baldwin High are the 2011 winners of the Har- where her father Agustin Burbano Linda Fernandez works at the Four School) is attending UH-Manoa. Her riet Bouslog Labor Scholarship. The and mother Precy Burbano now Seasons Resort and father Noland grandfather, the late Jiro Yoshida, scholarships will pay part of the work. Fernandez works for Young Brothers. retired from Pioneer Mill Sugar on tuition for a full-time student for 3. Eunice Taylor (Honokaa High Mele is attending Kapiolani Commu- Maui. up to eight semesters at any of the School) is attending Hawaii Com- University of Hawaii campuses. The munity College. Her father, Steven scholarships range from $2,000 per Taylor, worked at the former Hamak- semester while attending the UH ua Sugar Company and currently Prepare now for 2012 scholarships Manoa, $1,000 per semester while at- works at the Mauna Kea Beach If you have a child or grandchild who is a high school senior this year tending UH Hilo or UH West Oahu, Hotel. and plans to attend any of the University of Hawaii campuses, including and $750 per semester for any of the 4. Tatiana Espanto (Kamehameha community colleges, you should advise them to apply for the 2012 UH community colleges. Schools at Kapalama) is attending scholarships. The late Harriet Bouslog created UH-Manoa. Her father Rolando Es- Applications are due May 1, 2012, and up to 10 scholarships are awarded the scholarship fund in 1989 to sup- panto, Sr. works for Hawaii Logistics. every year. port the education of ILWU children 5. Colin Naito (Aiea High School) All applicants are required to videotape an interview with their ILWU and to promote awareness and is attending UH-Manoa. Her grand- parent or grandparent and write an essay about what they learned from the understanding of the ILWU’s history. mother, Jane Williams, is an ILWU interview and what the role of the ILWU and other unions should be for them Bouslog served as an attorney with member at Young Brothers. and others. If the ILWU family member is not available to be interviewed, any the labor law firm which represented 6. Matthew Shinsato (Roosevelt ILWU member may be interviewed. the ILWU in some of the unions most High School) is attending UH- Scholarship awards per semester are: $2,000 for UH-Manoa, $1,000 for difficult times from 1946 to 1978. Manoa. His father, Michael Shinsato, UH-Hilo or UH-West Oahu, and $750 for UH community colleges. Awardees 1. Nainoa Akiona (Waiakea High works for Horizon Lines. are eligible for up to eight semesters of tuition assistance. With the cost of School) is attending Hawaii Com- 7. Joy Espeleta (King Kekaulike education at UH going up, the scholarship is a good way to support a college munity College. He is the grandson High School) will be attending Maui education. of Artemio Sensano of Hilo Coast Community College. Her father, Brochures and application forms are available at any ILWU office or on Processing Company. Teddy Espeleta, worked for Maui the ILWU website (www.ilwulocal142.org). For more information, contact 2. Ashlee Burbano (Honokaa High Pineapple and is currently a Maui Joanne Kealoha at (808) 949-4161. School) is attending UH-Hilo. Her Division Business Agent.

2011 Statewide General Trades Caucus is first for ILWU—continued from page 5 ing, like long term care and assisted mation but needs to be updated. We ing in new members from outside. welfare fund to get leverage and living at Pali Momi. We can talk to need to continue to educate our own Mobilizing is with the members in improve prescription drugs and other imaging techs when they go to con- and younger members.” your unit. Mobilizing is the key to benefits.” ferences or training. We can talk to make your bargaining unit more Francis Kamakaokalani from people in different departments. We Retail & Manufacturing effective, to get a good contract, and Ameron Maui said, “Pension benefits can talk to people who are training to Industry Report to enforce your contract. Do things are important to start whey you’re become techs. HPH is good at match- According to Kapono Keliikoa from with your members outside of work. young. Now we have three funds ing pay but falls behind in other Foodland, “Some people complain Become a family—develop more and one will pay $5 per compensable non-pay items like working condi- about the union taking dues from teamwork. We fight against going to hour.” tions, schedules, and seniority. We them. A year’s worth of union dues a flat-rate payment system at work, Added Trent Minor from Troon could make cheat sheets about the comes out to maybe $700. Then we because it would create divisiveness Golf, Kapalua Maui, “We need to union which would make it easier added up a year’s worth of union among our members.” communicate one-on-one with the for us when we talk to unorganized benefits under the contract, which According to Eddie Sekigawa from members in our units.” workers. We can look into organizing comes out to $7,000. This exercise in Island Movers Oahu, “If you mobilize our own health care conference or addition opened my eyes. The union your unit you can get into organiz- ILWU International President use social media like Facebook. We gives us better benefits. I came to ing more easily. Build up your shop Robert McEllrath to caucus can promote the union within the this caucus and see we are all fam- stewards. Have them ask members ILWU International President community. I worry about how people ily—we all help each other out.” what’s happening because they won’t Robert McEllrath told the caucus “It in the community see us as a union.” Barrett Hayashi from Loves just tell you—you got to ask them. is an honor and privilege to serve as Joni Eubank from Hawaii Pacific Bakery added, “The key is educa- We have six divisions—two on the your president. I am the sixth person Health commented, “We have a lot of tion. Organizing comes from within docks, in Mapunapuna, etc. We need to serve as ILWU president. Having clinics which are spread out all over ourselves.” to know what is happening with all this caucus is so important. You’ve the state. We need to get informa- our members.” got to worry about two things— tion out to our younger members. We Auto, Trucking, & Maintenance health and welfare, and pension. need to use other means or reach- Report General & Miscellaneous Group What’s most important is medical ing these people besides the union’s Jessie Vaughn from Servco Kauai Report benefits for your retirees—one hos- newspaper, The Voice of the ILWU. observed, “Mobilizing is different A general and miscellaneous group pital visit can wipe out your pension The ILWU website has good infor- from organizing. Organizing is bring- was made up of units related to con- income for a whole year. struction, golf courses, and memorial parks. “Politicians are talking about Garrett Hera from Castle & Cooke raising the retirement age for Social Resorts Lanai said, “I gained a lot Security to 69 years old. We took of information here at caucus and retirees to Washington DC to lobby, I need to go back and get that in- not for themselves, but for you. We formation out to unit members. We can’t do it ourselves. Only you can have about 150 members, who are do it with the rank-and-file. We need not mobilized but ‘scatterized.’ Only you in this room. It is so crucial for a few people show up to a meeting you to unite yourselves and to figure to ratify our contract. We need to out how to take care of your health find leaders in all departments and and welfare, pension, and retirees. ask people what’s happening. When You get that and the rest falls into there’s unity you can accomplish place. You can find the answers.” many things. A unit is like your body, To sum up the caucus, President which needs a brain, arms, and legs Fiesta, Jr. said he will look hard at to do anything.” holding another caucus. “Take home Dane Kaneshina from Maui Lani what you learned and take action,” International President Robert McEllrath told the caucus, “It is so crucial for Golf Course observed of his own unit, said Fiest. “You guys are very impor- you to unite yourselves and to figure out how to take care of your health and “Only 10 out of 50 people who work tant to us. Be active, communicate welfare, pension, and retirees. You get that and the rest falls into place. You on the golf course are in the union. and share your information with the can find the answers.” We need to build up the health and members in your unit.”

OF July/August 2011 VOICE THE ILWU page 7 30th Western Regional Summer Institute for Union Women Building stronger unions through education HONOLULU—The 30th Annual tion and Research Center and Amal Western Regional Summer Institute Rana of the Public Service Alliance for Union Women (SIUW) was held of Canada—entered the hotel lobby June 16-20, 2011 at the Ala Moana to deliver the letter to HTH Corp. Hotel, whose workers are members Regional Vice President Robert of UNITE HERE Local 5. Over 80 Minicola. Hotel staff told the delega- union activists from more than 20 tion that Minicola was off property, Locals in Hawaii, California, Oregon, but delegation representative Reidun Washington, and Alaska participated Inman of AFSCME/WFSE Tacoma in the Institute. was able to speak with him over the The Western Regional SIUW is phone. Although Minicola was rude held yearly and its location is rotated to Reidun at times, she was able to between participating states. The speak with him for several minutes institute is coordinated through the and explained that union members area’s labor education center, and from Hawaii and other states sup- this year’s was headed by the Uni- ported the workers of Pacific Beach. versity of Hawaii’s Center for Labor After the one-hour Pacific Beach Education and Research (CLEAR) Hotel rally, SIUW participants faculty member Adrienne Valdez. In walked a block ewa to the Hyatt addition to serving on the CLEAR Regency Waikiki to join the UNITE staff, Valdez is also the President of HERE Local 5 rally announcing a the University of Hawaii Profession- boycott of the hotel. al Assembly (UHPA), the union that SIUW participants, Local 5 mem- represents UH faculty members. bers, and community supporters ILWU members who attended the SIWU participated with enthusiasm and “I think it’s important to offer chanted and sang for 20 minutes in worked hard to learn how be better leaders, handle grievances competently, a place for union women to come the Hyatt’s second floor lobby until organize, and build solidarity within the union. (Front row) Susan Lake (Foodland together, compare notes, learn new the police requested that they leave Super Market Ltd.), Elizabeth Visitacion (Honolulu Airport Hotel), Angela Talic things, and bond with other union and continue the rally outside. (ILWU Canada, Local 500), Kammy Kalili (McCabe, Hamilton & Renny Co.). members from different locations, Several SIUW participants who (Middle row) Maria Murillo (Servco Pacific Inc.), Merlina Valdez (Grand Wailea Resort), Zenaida Andaya (HC&S), Theresa Cabulizan (Mauna Lani Bay Hotel unions, and work situations,” said had never participated in an action & Bungalows), Perlita Manlansing (Grand Wailea Resort), Candace Ariaga Valdez. “The summer institute does before said that while they were a (Four Seasons Resort Lanai). (Back row) Ann Kaopua (Horizon Lines, LLC that, and provides an environment little nervous at first, they were glad HSI), Angela Raphael (The Ritz Carlton Kapalua), Mia Pauletto (The St. Regis where participants are immersed in to be given a chance to stand up for Princeville) Michaela “Kai” Lee (McCabe, Hamilton & Renny Co.), Helene “Lei” the educational experience. It allows fellow union workers in such a public Kaiahua-Sado (Grand Wailea Resort). Not pictured: Kaiini Febo-Santiago (Big union activists to take time out to way. Island FCU), Esther Manibog (HC&S), Linda Fernandez (Four Seasons Resort really focus on learning.” “I think that having institutes like Lanai), Bonnie Chun (Horizon Lines, LLC HSI). The SIUW offered participants a this is very important. There are a lot choice of core classes on Leadership of changes happening every day, and for New Leaders, Grievance Han- a lot of things union workers need to dling, Organizing and Mobilizing, or learn,” said ILWU member Helene Defending Unions and Government. “Lei” Kaiahua-Sado. “Especially for The core classes were intensive, new people, who are beginning to and held every day from 8:30 a.m. get involved in the union, a proper to 12:00 noon. Two afternoon work- education program is very important. shops were also offered, and topics This institute was awesome, and I included: Talking to Management, learned a lot of things that I can take Discrimination Law, Dealing with back to my unit and share with co- Difficult People, Organizing Actions, workers.” Using Labor Law, Union Newsletters, “This institute was half the size of and Building Community Coalitions. the last one held in Hawaii in 2006,” noted organizer Valdez. “But this SIUW action provide great year, the instructors and I felt proud learning experience of the participants and satisfied that Every SIUW takes time out from we sent home a group of women who classes to hold a “street action” on were both energized and ready to ILWU members Esther Manibog, Bonnie Chun, and Mia Pauletto discuss the take on the difficult issues facing behalf of workers in the community. quote “Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I This year, participants spent Friday workers in today’s workplaces.” fail, no one will say ‘she doesn’t have what it takes.’ They will say, ‘women afternoon rallying and standing in don’t have what it takes.’ ” They felt that the sentiment in the quote was unity with two groups of local work- something to which they could relate. ers—ILWU members at the Pacific Beach Hotel, and UNITE HERE Lo- cal 5 members at the Hyatt Regency Abregano fills LEB position Waikiki. Mary Ann Abregano, acting Chair- Local 142 Constitution, which does In preparation for the Pacific person and editor from Unit 4405 not permit a full-time officer of the Beach rally, SIUW participants - Oahu Foodland Supermarket Ltd., union to continue to hold a posi- signed a four-foot tall letter to the was appointed by the Titled Officers tion on the LEB as an Industrial hotel’s owner and management and confirmed by the Oahu Division Grouping Board member, a Division asking them to respect the National Executive Board to fill the seat on Trustee, or Division Board member. Labor Relations Board ruling issued the Local Executive Board (LEB) Hullinger, who is also a Foodland on June 14, stop violating federal vacated by Dillon Hullinger. member and unit officer, was elected labor law, and move forward with the The Local Executive Board is the as the Oahu Division Representative workers and their union to build a second highest policy making body to the LEB in 2009. better Pacific Beach Hotel. of the ILWU and meets every three Halfway through the rally, a months. The Local Convention is the In early 2011, Dillion was appoint- delegation made up of two volun- highest policy making body of ILWU ed to serve out the remaining term teers from each core class and two Local 142. of Oahu Business Agent Larry Ruiz. instructors—Helen Moss from the Hullinger resigned from the LEB The term of office runs until January University of Oregon Labor Educa- to comply with Section 7.02.3 of the 1, 2013.

ILWU Division Offices: Hawaii (Hilo) 935-3727, (Honokaa) 775-0443 • Maui 244-9191 • Kauai 245-3374 • Oahu 949-4161 OF page 8 VOICE THE ILWU July/August 2011 Hawaii’s Department of Labor returns to serving workers The Oahu Division Executive Board (DEB) meeting on April 29, 2011 featured State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Dwight Takamine. Under Republican Governor Linda protects workers from illegal discrim- Lingle, private profit and private ination on the job; and the Hawaii business came first. The Department Institute for Occupational Safety and of Labor and Industrial Relations Health. lost 61 positions, programs were underfunded, and enforcement was Changing laws and lax. Pro-business people were put in administrative rules to charge of key programs and workers help workers rights became secondary. Some improvements can be made Hawaii once had one of the best by changing the law or reworking workplace safety and health pro- administrative rules. Dwight worked grams in the nation, but budget cuts closely with the ILWU to remove and the layoffs of workers under an unfair provision of the law that Governor Lingle crippled the pro- applied to partial unemployment gram. States may run their own benefits. job safety programs but must meet Many hotels upgrade their proper- minimum federal standards. At one ties and temporarily close during the point it was so bad that the Federal renovation work. Sugar companies Director Dwight Takamine (standing) explains how he is rebuilding the State Government was about to step in to shutdown every year to do major Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to better serve the needs of take over the safety program. maintenance work on their mills. workers. Dwight, a former state representative and state senator, was appointed Dwight Takamine is working to Their workers may be laid off for by Governor to head the department. The Oahu DEB regularly rebuild the safety program. He has several weeks or months, and they invites guest speakers or holds a short training session for attendees. Hawaii restored 12 positions and brought are entitled to collect partial unem- Civil Rights Commission Executive Director Bill Hoshijo and Pride at Work Hawaii spoke at the May 27 DEB meeting, and Tom Cestare, Officer in Charge back some of the more experienced ployment during this period. Because of the National Labor Relations Board’s Subregional office, spoke at the June administrators to manage key de- they are still attached to their em- 24 DEB. August’s DEB will feature a class on work opportunity. partments. ployer, they are not required to seek There are about 560 employees in other employment every week. They by her part-time earnings. The a job offer. the Department of Labor who oper- are allowed to work part-time, but second hotel wanted to change the The union worked closely with ate 12 programs that serve some their unemployment benefits may be member’s work location, so she de- Senator Clayton Hee, Dwight of the needs of working people in offset by their earnings from their cided to quit the job. Unfortunately, Takamine and labor department Hawaii. About 200 employees handle part-time job. the unemployment office ruled that administrators to pass a law which the unemployment insurance divi- In one case on Kauai, an ILWU this disqualified the member from makes it clear that partial unem- sion; 100 employees do workforce member was collecting partial un- receiving any further unemployment ployment benefits from a primary retraining. Other programs include employment because her hotel was benefits. The ILWU appealed the employer would not be affected if a workers’ compensation when work- closed for renovation. She got part- case, but lost because of the word- worker, for good cause, quits or is ers are injured on the job; the Hawaii time work at another hotel and her ing of the law where workers may be fired by a secondary employer. Civil Rights Commission which unemployment benefits were reduced denied benefits if they quit or decline

Hawaii Longshore Division officers attend classes Hawaii longshore division officers attended two days of training on economics and labor law on June 23 and 24 taught by William Puette and William Boyd from the Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR), University of Hawaii at West Oahu.

(Left) Hawaii Longshore Division Director Nate Lum of McCabe, Hamilton & Renny and Kevin Pupuhi of Young Brothers Ltd. with instructor Dr. William Boyd. (Center) Participants Dennis Inouye (Matson Terminals Maintenance), Ronald Honda (Matson Terminals CFS/CY), Wayne Alonzo (Young Brothers Ltd. Kauai), Chris Ancheta (Matson Terminals Maintenance), and Nelson Rita (Nawiliwili Stevedores). (Right) CLEAR Director Dr. William J. Puette gives examples of employer violations of the National Labor Relations Act, the law.

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