OF March/April 2010 VOICE THE ILWU page 1

Volume 50 • No. 2 The VOICE of the ILWU—Published by Local 142, International Longshore & Warehouse Union March/April 2010 ADDRESS LABEL ILWU Local 142 President Isaac Fiesta, Jr. announced the union’s endorsement of Mufi Hannemann at a press conference on March 9, 2010. The ILWU’s statewide Political Action Committee made the decision to endorse Hannemann after meeting with both Mufi Hannemann and on March 2, 2010. (L-r) Secretary- Treasurer Guy K. Fujimura, Mayor Mufi Hannemann, President Isaac Fiesta Jr., Vice President Donna Domingo. ILWU endorses Mufi Hannemann for governor ILWU Local 142 endorsed Mufi would be excellent governors and have decided to support Mufi Hannemann.” , Blake Oshiro, and Roy Hannemann for governor after the a lot to give to the people of .” The ILWU also gave early endorse- Takumi. State Political Action Committee met “Our Political Action Committee, ments to Mayor Bernard Carvalho of The ILWU gave early support to US with both Hannemann and Neil Aber- which is made up of ILWU members Kauai and Mayor Charmaine Tavares Senator and US House crombie on March 2, 2010. from the four counties and the long- of Maui County. of Representative at an “It was a very difficult decision as shore industry, met with Neil and The union endorsed State Senators earlier meeting of the union’s Political both candidates are very good friends of Mufi on March 2, 2010. There was a Dwight Takamine, Les Ihara, Brian Action Committee in December 2009. the ILWU and have done a lot to help lot of discussion and debate among the Taniguchi, and Glen Wakai. Endorsed Most of the ILWU endorsements will working people,” Local 142 President members of the Committee. In the end, State House of Representatives include be made after the July 20 deadline for Isaac Fiesta Jr. said. “Both candidates the ILWU Political Action Committee Joseph Souki, , Sylvia Luke, candidates to file nomination papers. The union’s political action committees will then interview candidates who request the union’s support. The Primary Election will be held on September 18, 2010. The last day to register to vote in the Primary Elec- tions is August 19. The General Election will be held on November 2, 2010. The last day to reg- ister to vote in the General Elections is October 4. The easiest way to vote is by mail. You can request an absentee ballot for

Photos by George Waialeale both the Primary and General Elec- tions after July 20. You will receive Senator Daniel Inouye and State Senators Dwight Takamine, Russell Kokubun and Brian Taniguchi join Colleen a ballot by mail which you return by Hanabusa to wave signs on April 5. Members from the Hawaii Longshore Division also participated in the sign-waving. ILWU members in the 1st Congressional District are urged to vote for Hanabusa in the special election which will be mail. There’s no need to drive to the held by mail. Members should be receiving their ballots in early May. polling site and wait in line. Why Hanabusa is our best choice for Congress is running in and their families. She comes from a unions to make life better for work- Hanabusa congratulated the ILWU the special election to fill the vacancy working class background. She was ing families. for taking the lead in improving left by Neil Abercrombie in the 1st raised by her grandparents in the Hanabusa addressed the ILWU the lives of working people. “Every Congressional District of Hawaii. housing camps of the Waianae Plan- Local 142 Convention on September benefit the working people have come Also running for the seat are Ed tation on Oahu. Her grandfather was 17, 2009. She told the Convention to enjoy [are] tied to sacrifices which Case and Republican . the plantation fisherman and her delegates how the ILWU is where this Union has been front and center The ILWU and many labor unions mother’s father was the plantation’s the labor movement really started on. Even today, when you look at the are urging their members to support carpenter. effectively in Hawaii’s history. “Your legislation that’s being passed, the and vote for Colleen Hanabusa as Hanabusa shares many of the commitment to the support of fel- lobbying that’s being done, you folks the best and clear choice for working same concerns and believes in the low union members in their difficult are front and center. So I congratu- people of Hawaii. same principles as the ILWU. Hana- times…that the motto which has late each and every one of you and I Colleen Hanabusa, who is cur- busa does legal for our union and our been the foundation of the ILWU, ‘An thank each and every one of you.” rently serving as a senator in the longshore division. She understands injury to one is an injury to all’ really We need someone like Colleen , has con- that unions are the democratic voice means something when we are look- Hanabusa who shares our values and sistently stood on the side of workers of workers and she would work with ing at a situation like we are today.” will work for us in Washington D.C.

Congressional Dist. 1 Special Election: Vote and return your ballot before May 22. OF page 2 VOICE THE ILWU March/April 2010 Sluggish recovery for 2010, faster in 2011 forecast of the University of Hawai’i Economic Research Organization will still show a net decline, masking growth compared with the roughly 4% The University of Hawaii Economic Research these early gains. average during the 2004-2005 period. Organization (UHERO) collects and analyses • The private sector job turnaround • This report marks the first time does not mean a quick rebound from we are releasing UHERO forecasts for economic data for the State of Hawaii. The following the steep losses incurred over the Hawaii real Gross Domestic Product past two years. And additional public (GDP). Using a somewhat different is their latest forecast on March 26, 2010. sector job losses are likely. The ag- methodology than that of the Federal Hawaii’s economic recovery has stronger than the domestic market. gregate non-farm job count will show government, UHERO estimates that begun. Employment is stabilizing, We continue to expect a very attenu- a small 0.7% net loss for 2010 as a Hawaii real GDP was down 0.4% in and many sectors will begin to add ated recovery over the next several whole, and we see only a 0.9% gain 2009 after contracting 1.3% in 2008. modest numbers of jobs as the year years. Discounting will continue to be in 2011. This pace of job creation will Real GDP will fall a slight 0.2% in progresses. Visitor arrivals and the norm, continuing to exert down- leave the unemployment rate high for 2010, before expanding by roughly spending will continue to firm along ward pressure on profits. an extended time period. We expect 0.5% in 2011. with economic conditions in our major • Quarterly UHERO forecast re- statewide unemployment to average • While the past year has brought tourism markets. Private construction ports now include forecast figures for 6.9% this year, edging down to 6.4% the anticipated business cycle is bottoming out, and the sector will major construction industry indica- in 2011. turning point, there have been no begin to see more benefit from Fed- tors. The sector contracted sharply • As we had anticipated last March, developments that would warrant a eral and State spending programs. in 2009, but the pace of job losses Honolulu inflation decelerated to just substantially stronger forecast path. While growth is resuming, the pace of had slowed by year end and build- half a percent last year, with lower oil World growth appears sufficiently recovery will be slow, constrained by ing permits flattened out. Stirrings prices and moderating shelter costs strong to support only a slow pace of tepid U.S. consumer spending and the of private sector recovery and the causing a sharp cooling compared Hawaii recovery for now, and there is drag from the State and local fiscal short-term impulse from government with 2008. Because there will be con- a downside risk that premature fiscal conditions. As a result, unemploy- contracts will lead to net hiring in siderable slack in the local economy contraction in the U.S. and Europe ment will recede only gradually from coming months. Overall construction for the next several years, we expect could further weaken global economic current high levels. spending will be 17% lower this year relatively low inflation to be the norm conditions. The biggest downside risk than in 2009, but will rise more than in the Islands in coming years. After for Hawaii is the State budget crisis, Visitor industry in slump; slight 4% in 2011. energy costs cause inflation to tick up where we are only now feeling the full increase in arrivals • Job losses last year were severe. to 1.9% this year, the Honolulu CPI impact of job losses and furloughs/ • While the visitor industry re- The stabilization of recent months will show just 1.1% inflation in 2011. pay cuts. Luckily, the revenue picture mains in a deep slump, arrivals sets the stage for a resumption of • Real personal income has not already appears healthier than what numbers edged up slightly over the modest job growth in 2010. Some sec- seen the same sharp drop as jobs, is reflected in the Council on Reve- course of 2009 and visitor spending tors have already seen an uptick in partly because of the surge in un- nues projections, and so the drag from stabilized by year end. With a mild jobs in the final quarter of 2009; most employment compensation but also State and local government will ease recovery underway across the globe others will begin to add jobs during because labor and proprietor income as the recovery progresses, so the and more airlift planned, we expect the first or second quarter of this did not fall dramatically. We expect drag from State and local government a 2.9% gain in arrivals this year. In- year. Because of low job counts at the income to be flat in 2010. These will ease as the recovery progresses. ternational markets will be relatively end of 2009, annual figures for 2010 are very restrained rates of income Judge orders HTH/Pacific Beach Hotel to obey law to their employees that the Union mittee members Ruben Bumanglag, to the fired negotiating committee HTH must abide by the is powerless to effectively represent Darryl Miyashiro, Virgie Recaido, members workers, offering to rehire NLRB order to rehire them, and that the government is Virbina Revamonte, and Rhandy Vil- them. powerless to restrain such conduct.” lanueva. The ILWU is holding membership five fired workers and 3. Recognize the ILWU as the meetings with the Pacific Beach bargain with the ILWU on Judge orders HTH Corp. union representing their workers. Hotel workers and will request meet- to comply with NLRB 4. Immediately resume negotia- ings with the company to resume a contract for workers of On March 8, 2010, Federal District tions and honor all the agreements collective bargaining. Court Judge J. Michael Seabright reached earlier with the union. Japanese supporters of the boy- the Pacific Beach Hotel in ordered the company to comply with 5. Restore conditions changed by cott have been meeting regularly in the NLRB’s order. HTH has appealed the company without negotiating Japan and will be informed of the . the NLRB’s actions, but Judge Sea- with the ILWU. Under the court or- latest news at their next meeting on The National Labor Relations bright concluded it was unlikely the der the ILWU has the right to decide Board (NLRB) sought the court appeal would be upheld. what changes to keep or remove. April 15. injunction when HTH officers con- The court injunction requires HTH On April 1, ILWU Oahu Division The international boycott of the tinued to defy the law. Attorneys for to: Director Dave Mori met with HTH hotel will remain in place until a the Honolulu NLRB Office argued 1. Read the judge’s order to all em- Vice President Mitch Minicola. How- union contract is negotiated and ap- that the hotel’s “discharge of lead- ployees in the presence of an NLRB ever, Minicola continues to believe proved by the hotel’s workers. ing union activists and bargaining agent; the company will win its appeal. committee members has conveyed 2. Reinstate fired negotiating com- The company has sent letters Hawaii Tourism Careers website offers help for workers Tourism is Hawaii’s number one The tourism industry is continu- programs in the state and a growing industry. Nearly 75% of jobs in Ha- ally seeking to recruit new workers list of career options as well as short waii are directly or indirectly related into the industry as well as encour- video-clips highlighting individuals to the tourism industry. age incumbent workers to move up in the industry who share how they The VOICE of the ILWU (ISSN 0505-8791) is Hawaii attracts visitors with its the career ladder. One tool available have used training and education. published monthly except April and a combined June/July issue for $2 per year by Hawaii beautiful beaches, warm climate, and to the workforce is a user-friendly The website also features an “An- International Longshoremen’s & Warehousemen’s unique culture, but many other des- online website called Hawaii Tour- nouncements” section for up-to-date Union, 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Periodicals postage paid at the post office tinations have become increasingly ism Careers:hitourismcareers.org. information on upcoming application of Honolulu, Hawaii. competitive. The question: Why The website is a “one-stop shop” for deadlines, events, and new job post- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VOICE should a visitor come to Hawaii when those interested in finding a career ings. of the ILWU, c/o ILWU Local 142, 451 Atkinson there are other places to visit? or pursuing additional education or If you’re interested in a career in Drive, Honolulu, HI 96814. Editorial Board: Isaac Fiesta Jr., Donna Domingo and Guy K. Fujimura. The answer is: The aloha and training in the industry. tourism, or would like to upgrade skills of Hawaii’s workforce that Hawaii Tourism Careers website your career options as a worker cur- Editor: Mel Chang meet and exceed expectations of visi- offers a comprehensive list of tour- rently in the industry, please visit tors and encourage them to return. ism-related degree and certification http://hihtourismcareers.org.

The next Local 142 Executive Board (LEB) meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2010, in Honolulu at the ILWU building on 451 Atkinson Drive. The meeting starts at 9:00 A.M. ILWU members are welcome to attend as observers. OF March/April 2010 VOICE THE ILWU page 3 Advertiser & Star-Bulletin workers fight to keep jobs Over 900 employees of Honolulu’s two daily made their decisions without talking is to maintain fairness in economic to their employees. relations between employers and newspapers have no idea if they will have a job. The Such action by management would employees, to provide some security be illegal in the European Commu- for employees, and to guard against people who write the news became the news when nity where workers have the right to exploitation. they learned about their fate in a press release issued information about their employer’s In the U.S., employers are only financial condition. Employers must required to give workers 60 day’s no- by their employers. also consult with their workers on tice of a layoff or closure. The intent matters that affect employment. of the U.S. law is to give workers On Feb. 25, 2010, Gannett Compa- On March 9, Gannett informed European workers would have time to prepare for their job loss and ny and Oahu Publications, Inc. (OPI) their 600 employees at the Adver- been informed well in advance of any not so workers can challenge their announced in a joint press release tiser they would be terminated decision and would have the right employer’s decisions. that would between April 12 and April 30 when to negotiate with their employer to If their workers are unionized, be sold to OPI, a company controlled the newspaper is sold. On March find alternatives to prevent and limit U.S. employers have a duty to negoti- by David Black. Black’s company 19, Star-Bulletin employees were layoffs or closures. ate with the unions on how the layoff already owns the Honolulu Star- told about one-half of the employees The intent of the European law or closure will be carried out. Bulletin, which it purchased in 1991, or 150 workers may lose their jobs and the Mid-Week Magazine. around May 19 if the newspapers are merged. Star-Bulletin up for sale OPI has contracted a management Hawaii Printing Trades Council Federal anti-trust law prohibits service company to operate the Ad- Six different unions represent A number of other industries con- common ownership of competing vertiser during the transition after workers of the Honolulu Advertiser tinue to operate with different unions. daily newspapers. This means David Gannett leaves. and two unions represent Star- Hospitals for example, have sepa- Black must either sell the Star- The ILWU and the other unions Bulletin workers. This is a carry-over rate unions for registered nurses, Bulletin, close one of the papers, or representing the workers of both from the days when workers joined pharmacy and clerical workers, merge the papers. newspapers are doing everything separate unions based on their skill x-ray and imaging technicians, food David Black has put the Star- they can to prevent any layoffs and or craft. workers and housekeepers. Airlines Bulletin up for sale and intends keep both newspapers operating. A At the Advertiser, the six unions have separate unions for pilots, flight to merge the two newspapers if no democratic society needs a well-in- organized the Hawaii Printing attendants, and ground support buyer is found. Black plans to close formed public, and two papers would Trades Council to coordinate their workers. the Star-Bulletin’s Kaneohe opera- help to keep the news more balanced. contract negotiations with the The maritime industry has sepa- tion and move to the Advertiser’s A single newspaper, owned by one company and to maintain solidarity rate unions for masters, mates and Kapolei plant. corporation, gives that corporation among the unions. pilots; for sailors; radio operators; Three offers have been made to undue influence over the public and The Newspaper Guild (merged cooks and stewards. buy the Star-Bulletin, but industry threatens our democracy. with the Communications Workers Construction workers belong to insiders suspect Black has no inten- of America) represents the larg- unions based on crafts—carpenters, tion of selling the Star-Bulletin and U.S. laws weak on est group of reporters, writers, and operating engineers, ironworkers, is only going through the motions to worker protection customer services. The Teamsters bricklayers, electrical workers, and satisfy federal regulators. The owners of both newspapers Graphic Communications Confer- so on. ence represents the workers who do Organizing into separate craft- the page layout and design of the based unions can be a disadvan- European Charter gives workers paper. The Honolulu Typographical tage for workers. New technology right to information & consultation Union represents the typesetters. may combine jobs done by different The Hawaii Printing & Graphic Com- crafts, and unions can find them- The right to information and information and consultation is the munications Union represents the selves fighting each other for work. consultation are basic workers’ rights importance of maintaining fairness in workers who operate the printing Management can make a cheaper recognised at the national, European economic relations between employer presses. The International As- deal with the weakest union and use Community and international levels. and employee. In particular the sociation of Machinist represents this to undermine the other unions. They involve in particular the right sharing of information provides a the mechanics who maintain the to be informed and consulted on their degree of security for employees as machinery. One union employer’s economic and financial well as an important check against The ILWU represents the second The ILWU is based on industrial position; on decisions likely to have exploitation. largest group of workers who handle unionism, which aims to organize an effect on employment within the Similarly, a modern forward- the newspaper after it is printed. all workers of a company or indus- company; and the right to recognition looking business does not keep its They assemble, sort, bundle the try into the same union. This allows of the ‘works council’. workers in the dark about important paper; load the delivery trucks; drive workers to achieve the highest level This right is based on the decisions affecting them. It is not the trucks; and manage the small of unity and prevents the employer promotion and implementation of acceptable, for instance, for workers army of part-time people who sell from playing one group of workers ‘social dialogue’ as set out in Articles to learn from the media for the first the paper on the street or deliver the against another group. 138 and 139 of the European Charter. time that they are going to lose their paper to home subscribers. The justification for rights to jobs. Shipping volume jumps 32% A Bloomberg survey in February that the South Korean Port of Busan 2010 reported a huge 32 percent had to find space to store 31,000 jump in shipping charters in Decem- empty containers. Today, the contain- ber 2009. As orders for their products ers are full and waiting to be shipped return to normal levels, manufactur- to the US and Europe, but there ing companies are replenishing their aren’t enough ships to carry the supply of raw materials. increasing loads. Demand for coal and iron-ore are One of the reasons for the short- so strong that ships must wait in age of ships is the growing number of long lines to pick up their cargo. At last minute rush orders. US retail- the Port of Newcastle in Australia, ers had cut their inventories to the as many as 55 ships are waiting to lowest level in two years and are now Photo by Mel Chang load coal, compared with 17 a year placing rush orders to restock. A dozen of these floating cranes in the middle of Victoria Harbor off the Island ago. Similar lines are forming at the With little advance notice, con- of Hong Kong transfer shipping containers from freighters to barges. Mid- iron-ore ports of Tubarao in Brazil tainer ships must be moved to ports stream operations where cargo is moved between two ships at sea avoids and Qingdao in China. where they are needed, which can the high fees charged by the Hong Kong container port but can be dangerous Last year, shipping was so slow take several days. and risky. VEBA Retiree Benefit Plan • On Oahu call 441-8600, or Neighbor Islands call toll-free (888) 256-3578. OF page 4 VOICE THE ILWU March/April 2010 M e e t Y o u r L o c a l T i t l e d O f f i c e r s

companies asking for cuts in wages and benefits. Our membership adopted a 1/2 per- cent increase in Local union dues. As your president, I will look at areas in the Local to cut costs of operation. As you know, the increase in dues will be used to get through this financial cri- sis and to continue to operate so our membership will be fully represented. This increase will not be used to give union officers any wage increases. The other area that needs to be strengthened is our Organizing program. This is the life blood of our Local President union. I have taken over the assign- Local Vice President Local Sec.-Treasurer Isaac Fiesta, Jr. ment of organizing for Local 142 and Donna Domingo Guy Fujimura will work with International Vice The ILWU has been in the fore- The ILWU has been recognized The Local Convention completed President Hawaii Wesley Furtado and front in improving Wages, Benefits, historically as the single, most ef- its work in September of 2009 and the five Divisions to step up the Local and Working Conditions for working fective organization in bringing adopted programs that will guide us Organizing program. I am asking all people. economic, social and political progress for the next three years. My goal is to of our membership to get involved so The programs of the ILWU include to Hawaii. Before the Union, Hawaii carry out the work of the Convention we can build this union. Organizing, Negotiations, Servicing was considered a semi-feudal society and the Constitution and Bylaws of There are other goals that I have Members, and Political Action. dominated economically by five major Local 142. for the next three years, and I will Your involvement and participation inter-locked companies, known as the There are four areas I would like to be working with the Local Execu- is important to preserve the quality of “Big Five”, that controlled everything. address that the Convention adopted. tive Committee and Local Executive life that we all strive for. The heart- The Republican Party dominated One is the Longshore Division. Now, Board to achieve them. These goals beat of the ILWU is its members. politics and ran the Territorial our brothers and sisters of the water- are as follows: mobilize for better We are a rank and file Union, with government. The working class was front have their own division that will contracts; build the units; continue to procedures that allow every member considered “second class.” operate with full autonomy within the educate unit officers and Full-Time to vote for their leaders and to ap- The ILWU was in the forefront of Local 142 and governed exclusively by Officers so we can represent our mem- prove their union contract. challenging this status quo by or- its Longshore Division membership, bers better; improve teamwork within I’m proud to be a ILWU member. ganizing the workers on the docks, as per Article XXXVII of the Constitu- Local 142; continue to improve our “An injury to one is an Injury to all.” plantations and other industries. tion and Bylaws of Local 142. Health and Welfare Fund and VEBA Workers won better pay and work- The other area is the financial program; and work together to get ing conditions and the racial barriers budget that the Convention adopted. through this financial crisis. Mufi Hannemann for Governor and that the employers used to divide As you know, the nation and our state Political Action is another impor- Colleen Hanabusa for the First Con- them were broken down. Yes, the are going through a steep economic tant area. This year is an election gressional House District. Other early ILWU, our members and their fami- downturn that has led to closures of year for our Governor and Lieuten- endorsements are listed on Page 1.We lies fought to improve conditions on companies represented by the ILWU, ant Governor. The Local Political are asking our membership to sup- the job, but they also raised the stan- the loss of hours for workers, and Action Committee has endorsed port all endorsed candidates. dard for the whole community. The ILWU fought for “bread and butter” issues, but also fought for justice and M e e t Y o u r K a u a i D i v i s i o n O f f i c e r s dignity and against discrimination. The Union went on to also become politically active, so that gains made in the contract, would not be taken away through legislation. The Union wanted better worker benefit and pro- tection laws, better schools, especially in the rural communities, access to health care and social services, and more opportunity for advancement for our children and their children, especially in higher education. As we face this triennium, we have the goals of keeping our union safe and economically sound and to bet- ter service and protect our members Division Director Business Agent Business Agent and their families through difficult economic times. We believe that we Michael Machado Pam Green Alan “King” Kimura need to leverage our ability to do this Thank you to all who supported Here Comes 2010… What I want to accomplish in through effective political action. me, and continue to support me, in People say it will get worse, people my term of office: Strengthening More importantly, we continue to the recent changes for the Kauai say that will get better…the test will and unification of my units would recognize that the ILWU is at its best Division. As we all move forward be to Stick Together ! be instrumental for their success- and most helpful to our members and during these economic times there Mahalo for the opportunity to ful future. Getting the units to be their families when we provide the are, and will be, many challenging serve as your Business Agent, independently strong and knowl- leadership in the continuing struggle issues to face. By pulling together Pamela Green edgeable would be beneficial, so that of workers “...to receive a fair and as one, we all can get through these solidarity rules supreme. The crux of just return for their labor...”, “...to difficult times stronger and better our existence is to strongly support be treated in a decent and respectful than ever. the political endeavors that ensure manner by the employer”, “to orga- our longevity and success, with the nize the unorganized..., “to assist ILWU 142 democratic process that has always other unions whenever possible in been our strong point. The futurity their resistance to attacks...”, and Kauai Division of our existence is determined by the “to fight all violations of democracy, strength of our members. whether they be racial, religious or 4154 Hardy St. political...”; “we reject racial, reli- Lihue, HI 96766 gious, sex or political discrimination by anyone;” (from the ILWU DECLA-

PHONE: 245-3374 t Division Clerk RATION OF PRINICPLES). FAX: 246-9508 MelissaLynn Ragasa OF March/April 2010 VOICE THE ILWU page 5 M e e t Y o u r O a h u D i v i s i o n O f f i c e r s

Oahu Division Director Business Agent Business Agent Business Agent Dave Mori Shane Ambrose Karl Lindo Larry Ruiz In the last three years our Union Over the next three years I want to My goal for the next three years is I have three basic goals for this continued to achieve great accom- continue working with the members to continue representing and protect- term: to strengthen the union by plishments. We received national and the rest of the Full Time Officers ing our members rights on the job. getting more members to be active recognition for spearheading two and Staff to better serve you. I also believe in educating the rank participants in union programs, to landmark decisions—the passage of With the new changes in and file leadership and members on strengthen our contracts through the “card-check” bill, which allows assignments, new challenges and op- the importance of being involved in negotiations and a strong steward Hawaii agriculture workers a fairer portunities will arise that will surely the union. This simply means mem- system, and to strengthen labor’s po- way to join a union and get a first test our resolve. With your involve- bers exercising their union rights, sition in politics through our Political contract, and the favorable ruling ment I am confident that despite policing the contract, and participat- Action Program. The first is impor- on 15 unfair labor practice charges the recent economic challenges our ing in union programs. With member tant because the ILWU is a highly against Pacific Beach Hotel, in which solidarity will ensure that our Union participation and involvement, we democratic union, and democracy a federal judge ordered the rein- continues to endure. can make a difference together in does not work without participation. statement of union supporters with As we enter this critical triennium providing workers with good jobs, If more members play an active role back pay, and the reimbursement of it is important that we all pull to- protecting important benefits, and in the union—even a small one—the negotiation costs to the Union. But gether to do our part to organize the being respected on the job. overall function of the union will much more work lies ahead of us unorganized to ensure that future The past three years have been improve. The second goal is based if we are to continue bettering our generations have the rights we hold tough for all of our members, many on the fact that our union contracts members’ standard of living and our dear today. I urge all members and have lost jobs or wages and benefits are a huge factor in the quality of children’s future. We need to be ever their families to educate their friends have been affected due to the econo- life of our families. We need to fight more aggressive in organizing, and and neighbors that we all have a my. for the improvements we need and in repealing bad laws that prevent voice and that we all can make a dif- As a Business Agent, having the fight against takeaways. Finally, us from organizing. More volunteers ference. support of unit leadership and mem- even with a strong contract, we are needed in political action to help bers is what enables us to do our job would be lost without laws that elect politicians who will stand up for more effectively. Your support makes protect the rights of working people. the average worker and not cower to the union strong. Even the right to belong to a union the pressures of big business or spe- is determined by law. If we do not cial interest groups. Our Union was elect lawmakers who understand and built on the hard work of its mem- support working families, our whole bers. Without your help we could community will suffer. not have accomplished so much. For all of you who have supported me in the past, thank you very much—you truly made a difference.

Health & Business Agent Brian Tanaka We must follow the union program, Welfare Plan which includes strengthening ex- Business Agent isting units, training and bringing Michael Yamaguchi along new leadership, organizing I am thankful to the Oahu rank • HMA Office new members, and keeping our and file who had the confidence to union and collective bargaining elect me as a business agent for the Division Clerk 866-377-3977 agreements strong. next three years. I promise to work Lisa Maehara We have already begun work to hard and represent you to the best increase our members in the grow- of my ability. Organizing workers ing health care industry. We are who have no union representation ILWU 142 • Akamai Line accreting members where we can, needs to be a priority of the ILWU. and also negotiating the best possible We need new members to build union Oahu Division 866-331-5913 contracts for all ILWU healthcare density so we can negotiate from a 451 Atkinson Dr. workers. position of strength. The union must I am also encouraging rank-and- also continue to obtain political clout Honolulu, HI 96814 • Catalyst RX file participation in the education which the ILWU is well known for. PH: 949-4161 programs of the union, including I would like to mobilize existing getting leadership and steward train- units, motivate members and build FAX: 941-5867 888-869-4600 ing. Part of our education program a strong architecture of leaders. We includes the production of a Business need to educate the rank and file, Agent report that can be shared by and enforce our collective bargaining VEBA Retiree Benefit Plan • Kaiser all units that do not have their own agreements. Your full-time offi- On Oahu: 441-8600 or news bulletins. cers and union representatives are Neighbor Islands Toll Free: 800-966-5955 There is a place for every member not the union. WE ARE ALL THE in the ILWU—working side by side UNION. Without the efforts of every- (888) 256-3578 to make our jobs and lives better. one, the ILWU cannot succeed. OF page 6 VOICE THE ILWU March/April 2010 M e e t Y o u r M a u i D i v i s i o n O f f i c e r s

Maui Division Director Business Agent Business Agent Business Agent William Kennison Roberto Andrion Steve Castro Jerrybeth De Mello The past three years have been the Throughout history the ILWU was Aloha, my name is Stephen (Steve) 2010 year of the Tiger most trying of my 30 years as a full- always in the forefront fighting to Castro Sr. and I’d like to thank you The past two years (2008 and time officer of the ILWU Local 142, improve work conditions, wages, and for allowing me to serve you as your 2009) have been the most devastat- having served as a Division Represen- benefits by organizing the unorga- Business Agent. It has certainly been ing times I have seen since 9/11, in tative, Business Agent and presently nized workers, thus, setting a higher a challenging and rewarding experi- terms of reductions in workforce, as the Maui Division Director. standard of living for others indus- ence for me these last few years. furloughs, company shut downs, and With the help of the Business tries to follow. My goal for this term will be to get layoffs. The unemployment line at Agents and Unit Leadership we will I chose to run for office because our members more involved by tak- the State building seems endless, continue to strive forward and sup- I strongly believe that the union ing an active part in their units. This and we begin to wonder, “what next?” port our members in improving and (ILWU) provides us with the ability is not about one person, it’s about As an elected Full-time Officer maintaining benefits in our Collective to preserve and constantly improve all of us—and working together, all of Maui Division since 1992, I have Bargaining Agreements. One of our those benefits we enjoy today. It is things are possible. seen dramatic changes in the econo- main goals is to improve and to get my goal to continue expanding the I will continue to do my best to my since those boom years, when the more Companies that we represent membership through organizing, serve and represent you to the best tourism industry offered great work into the Hotel and General Health maintain the benefits that we have, of my ability. opportunities. and Welfare Trust Funds. With the and improve those benefits for a Although we are dealing with rising cost of medical it is the only brighter & better tomorrow. difficult circumstances, we need to way we can help our members’ control For any one goal to be accom- keep a positive outlook and continue the medical premiums cost and well plished it needs the support of many to uphold the principles that have as maintain their benefits. wonderful and caring ILWU mem- made our union—ILWU Local 142—a Our goals are to ensure that in the bers. One person cannot do it alone; leader in Hawaii’s labor community, long run, we save our members jobs however, as a group we can make a in our workplaces, and in the politi- so we all have a bright future to look major difference in the years to come. cal arena. We must strive to promote forward to. I ask for everyone to actively volun- active participation and education for teer and support our Union activities ILWU members in order to develop and Political Action Committee solidarity within our union. This programs so that we can build upon solidarity will be the driving force in what of our forefathers started. all the endeavors we undertake. “LET’S WORK TOGETHER, Our With solidarity, we will be better future and children’s future is in our able to negotiate good contracts as hands” Business Agent we move forward. This is the year of the TIGER— so let’s get aggressive Delbert DeRego (in a positive way) and take control The past three years has been the of our work lives, and prosper! most trying time I have ever expe- rienced, since becoming a Full Time Officer of the Maui Division in 1995, which was due to the unprecedented economic conditions of recent past that has affected all of us. Business Agent This next term we will continue Abel Kahoohanohano, Jr. to work diligently to preserve jobs, My goal as a business agent is to work opportunity and assurance of build my Unit’s leadership structure worker dignity in all our industries. by sending the stewards and officers Strive to promote active par- to more training classes. A Unit is ticipation, education, leadership not operating properly if it is not Business Agent development and solidarity of our built from the ground up. Claro Romero members will be driving force in The members of this Union have our ability to continue to negotiate every right to have their voices My goal as a Business Agent is improvements. We shall continue heard, and the way to do it is provide to continue providing better service to uphold, restore, and reset the Business Agent good education and leadership so we to all members. I know that some standard that has kept ILWU Lo- Teddy Espeleta may achieve maximum success. members feel that they are not get- cal 142 in the forefront of Hawaii’s ting the representation that they My name is Teddy B. Espeleta. I My job as a business agent is to Labor History through our member- am serving my third term as Maui advise these Unit leaders and sup- should be getting on the job. I want ship participation in the work place, to change their minds by always be- Division Business Agent. In my third port the members by making sure community and political arena. In term, I hope to continue to accom- their concerns with the Company are ing supportive to all, and especially the long run, our goal is to grow and the members. plish educating our members about addressed in a timely manner. to ensure that we save our members the importance of being part of the I have been a ILWU member for 36 I am particularly concerned about jobs so we all have a bright future. members who may be immigrants ILWU and to continue to fight for the years, a steward for 24, a Unit officer I am proud to be an ILWU mem- rights of our members. for 6 and a business agent for 6. and speak English as a second ber and committed to serve the language, such as the many Filipino membership to the best of my ability. workers who are employed in ILWU 896 Lower Main St. Maui Division units. I will continue to do the best I Wailuku, HI 96793 can, and look forward to serving and ILWU 142 Clerks’ photos seeing you all. PHONE: 244-9191 Mahalo!!! Salamat!!! Thank You!!! Maui Division FAX: 244-7870 on page 8 Mabuhay to all of you… OF March/April 2010 VOICE THE ILWU page 7 M e e t Y o u r H a w a i i D i v i s i o n O f f i c e r s

Hawaii Division Director Business Agent Business Agent Business Agent Richard Baker, Jr. Greg Gauthier Elmer Gorospe Wallace Ishibashi As the Hawaii Division Director for I would like to say a sincere ma- I would like take this opportu- Mahalo for your vote of confidence the past six (6) years, Richard Baker, halo to all of our members and their nity to say “Thank you” to all of the and trust. I will continue to pledge Jr. has led the Hawaii Division Team families for supporting the cause of members of the Hawaii Division for my friendship and knowledge to help to achieve its goals in the areas of or- workplace justice through their ef- their support. As our Union faces you in any way possible. During this ganizing, mobilizing, negotiations of forts. I am especially grateful to our many challenges, I am committed to term in office we will be faced with good and fair contracts, and building unit officers who give so selflessly to serve the rank and file to the best of some major negotiations, together future leadership at the unit level. act as mentors, friends, teammates, my ability, to assist all members and we will settle for the best package When I look back as a worker in therapists, and advisors, not only to to continue to protect workers rights. possible. Providing more training sugar at the Hilo Coast Process- their fellow workers, but to all of us. Over the next three years, some of opportunities for unit members inter- ing Company (H.C.P.C.) as a unit Sometimes as Business Agents, we my goals will be to work hand-in- ested to learn and provide additional leader, then as a business agent and are so very busy filing grievances, hand with rank-and-file members training for our senior Unit officers currently as your Hawaii Division negotiating contracts, working on at each of the units I serve; mentor to better represent their members Director, we must not lose focus of political action issues to better liv- upcoming leaders; and make sure the are some of our goals. the reason why we serve our mem- ing standards for working people, or terms of our contracts are upheld. I “United Together” we can make a bers. We need to be strong as union just listening to our members vent, have always believed in the critical huge difference as the driving force leaders, set new goals and priorities, that we forget to remind all working importance of political action. Grass- of Hawaii Division and Local 142. lead our rank-and-file, and protect people why Unionism makes perfect roots organizing for politics is one of Get involved, be proactive, your par- their rights as our fathers struggled sense for them as individuals. As the greatest weapons unions have ticipation determines our success. so hard to achieve, which we must working class people, most of us do to improve our chance of getting a now continue to struggle to maintain not have our own attorney like some fair shake in Congress and at the our rights and benefits as rank-and- of these big time corporate CEOs. State Legislature. I hope to be able to file members. As individuals, we would be laughed recruit more active members into our The Hawaii Division Team is here off the premises of the company if political action program, because our for you—just call us—WE WILL BE we went to the manager on our own numbers are our strength. THERE! and told them that we demand a preserve the path our leaders before “An Injury to One Is An Injury To 3 percent wage increase each year us strived so diligently to provide. All.” for the next 4 years, a ten percent Both leaders and members in the pension increase, full family medical past worked together as a team and coverage with the most minimum as a result, were successful in defeat- co-share possible, and we want it all ing the many obstacles that stood in in writing. However, as a group of their way. They were able to do this workers, we have the power to lever- by not only speaking the words of our age ourselves to make just those very motto—“An injury to one is an injury demands without being laughed off to all”—but actually living it. the premises. Some of our members This is truly what I hope to accom- may never have a grievance their plish in my second term, to continue whole career. They may wonder to preserve and unite our organiza- why they are even paying dues if tion. Let us therefore continue on they never get into any trouble. Of with the same pride, commitment course, the security of knowing that Business Agent and unity so future generations you cannot be terminated at will, Corinna Salmo may be able to proudly follow in our and that you have legal recourse footsteps. through the grievance procedure is First of all I would like to take Business Agent very valuable to all Union members. this opportunity to thank all the members who have placed their trust George Martin But, perhaps the greatest benefit for all Union members is knowing that and faith in me. As you must know, Aloha Brothers & Sisters, when it comes to wages and benefits, we are now experiencing one of the ILWU 142 Thanks to All who voted for me. Union members make upwards of 20 worst economic times there has ever This is my second term as your to 30 percent more than non-union been. We see it every day of our lives, Hawaii Division “TEAM MEMBER” of Hawaii members in the same or similar job in our places of work, with our fami- Division. classifications nationwide. In order to lies, friends, our union members, our 100 W. Lanikaula St. I look forward to doing ALL I can maintain that advantage, you must communities, our County, State and Hilo, HI 96720 to serve, EACH AND EVERY ONE get involved, join your unit officers, Federal Governments and the world PH: 935-3727 OF YOU, the members of ILWU. I and take part in this very blessed in general. Within our workplace we FAX: 961-2490 work for you! and moral struggle for equality and see many challenges and issues that Who knows what the further holds justice. All of our individual futures we have never experienced before, 45-3720 Honokaa-Waipio Rd. for us, but, whatever it is, as long depend on our collective efforts but we must face each of those as WE stick together WE should through the ILWU. If you and I don’t challenges head on until they are Honokaa, HI 96727 prevail! do it, who will? defeated. The task ahead of us as a PH: 775-0443 It’s a privilege and honor to be part Labor Union will be challenging, but FAX: 775-0477 of the GREATEST RANK AND FILE if we band together, compromise and UNION! GET INVOLVED, GET work together as one, we can over- Kaiwi Square ACTIVE AND STAY IN TUNE, Hawaii Division come these adversities and obstacles 74-5565 Luhia St., #A-3a MAHALO! that may come our way. Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Clerks’ photos With all this said, my hope and PH: 329-2070 dream is to unite our members FAX: 331-2571 on page 8 together in accord and to continue to OF page 8 VOICE THE ILWU March/April 2010 Tsunami or not, Big Island holds annual awards night By Greg Gauthier, Hawaii Division Business Agent membership. go to your next Unit Executive Board After dinner, but before the meeting and let your officers know HILO—Not even the “tsunami that wasn’t” could stop awards were given out, President that you would like to come out next Isaac Fiesta Jr. gave a memorable time, we love seeing new faces,” said Hawaii Division from enjoying the 33rd Annual Hawaii speech about the current state of the Richard Baker Jr. Union and the importance of solidar- Those units honored as outstanding Division Awards Banquet at the Harry Kamoku Hall in ity during trying times. After his units for the past year were: Kama- Hilo on the evening of February 27, 2010. speech, Brothers Isaac and Richard aina Motors - Unit 1413; Yamada Baker presented awards to those Diversified Corp. - Unit 1412; and While most of the state—and pos- sunny gorgeous day in Hilo. In any units, editors, and individuals who The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii - Unit sibly the country were tuned to their case, the ILWU Hall in Hilo is far have gone above and beyond their 1515 and ML Macadamia Orchards, television sets to see what kind of above the danger zone and would normal duties in the past year or LP, Ka‘u - Unit 1401. damage might occur on the Hilo bay have served as an evacuation center years in order to better the lives Those editors receiving awards in- front from a pending tsunami that had a tidal wave hit the island. of working men and women on the cluded: Best Editor of 2008—Theresa was generated from an earthquake The awards banquet kicked off at island of Hawaii. Cabulizan of the Mauna Lani Bay in Chile—Moses Moke and his fellow 5:30 p.m. with pupus and fellowship. The Hawaii Division Awards Ban- Hotel & Bungalows - Unit 1516 and seniors from the Hilo pension club The outdoor “ballroom” at Kamoku quet is an annual awards ceremony Best Editor of 2009—Starr Pascual of were busy decorating the Hall for the Hall was just about full of members, held in February of each year. The Sack & Save (Downtown Hilo) - Unit evenings festivities. pensioners, dignitaries, and politi- ticket price is usually a nominal fee 1421. Thankfully, the island of Hawaii cians when Hawaii Division Director, that, in most cases is picked up by Those individuals honored for received the “all clear” signal at Richard Baker Jr, kicked off the the units for their members to at- their many years of service to Hawaii about 2:00 p.m. on what otherwise banquet with a rousing welcome tend. “If you are an ILWU member, Division members included retirees might have been considered another and expressions of gratitude to the and haven’t had a chance to come, Federico Galdones and Eli T. Miura.

Local President Isaac Fiesta Jr. with Unit 1401 - MLMO, LP Ka‘u members and supporters: (L-r) Prosecuting Christopher Raymond, representing Unit Attorney Jay Kimura, Mark Aurelio, President Isaac Fiesta Jr., Juanita Aurelio Mina representing Unit 1412 - 1413 - Kamaaina Motors, and Business Pedra, Desiree Salmo, Lena Davis-Natividad, Victoria Mattos, Business Yamada Diversified Corp. with Business Agent George Martin. Agent Elmer Gorospe, Representative Clift Tsuji. Agent Wallace Ishibashi Jr. Maui Division Hawaii Division

Maui Division Clerk Maui Division Sr. Clerk Hawaii Division Clerk Hawaii Division Sr. Clerk Joycelyn Victorino Joyce Naruse Ann Chong Sui Sin Coloma M e e t Y o u r H a w a i i L o n g s h o r e D i v i s i o n O f f i c e r s

Division Director Business Agent Business Agent Executive Secretary Nate Lum Tyrone Tahara Dennis Morton Lynette Mau ILWU 142 451 Atkinson Drive Thank you to all who supported me and have given me the oppor- grievances and disputes with Division Hawaii Longshore Honolulu, HI 96814 tunity to serve as your Business employers and the day-to-day admin- PHONE: 949-4161 Agent for the new Hawaii Longshore istration of the Longshore Division Division Division. My goals in this three-year collective bargaining agreements. FAX: 941-9298 term are first and foremost to service the membership, and the handling of