ILWU 142 Supports Senator Colleen Hanabusa for Congress

Home , Colleen Hanabusa, Neil Abercrombie

OF January/February 2010 VOICETHE ILWU page 1

Volume 50 • No. 1 The VOICE of the ILWU—Published by Local 142, International Longshore & Warehouse Union January/February 2010

ADDRESS LABEL

Standing: Members of the ILWU Political Action Committee from Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu, which includes retiree representatives from ILWU pensioner clubs. Sitting: ILWU Secretary-Treasurer Guy Fujimura, ILWU Vice- President Donna Domingo, Senator Colleen Hanabusa, former ILWU President Fred Galdones, ILWU President Isaac Fiesta, Jr. ILWU 142 supports Senator Colleen Hanabusa for Congress HONOLULU—ILWU Local 142 endorsed Colleen Register to Vote NOW! upcoming elections,” President- Visit: http://hawaii.gov/ Hanabusa for the 1st Congressional District in the elect Isaac Fiesta, Jr. promised. elections/voters/ special election and general election. The International ILWU had already acted to endorse registration.htm The ILWU Local 142 Statewide Hawaii a progressive and forward Hanabusa and contributed $5,000 to download a Wikiwiki Political Action Committee voted looking state. She will work well to her campaign. registration form; fill it out and unanimously at its December 17, with our present Congressional mail it in to the appropriate 2009, meeting to support State delegation—Daniel Inouye, Early endorsements City/County Clerk (addresses Senator Colleen Hanabusa for the Danny Akaka, and Mazie Hirono. The Local Political Action are listed on the form). First Congressional District to fill Her commitment to Hawaii, hard Committee also gave early en- the vacancy caused by the resig- work and dedication, and effec- dorsements to Senator Daniel nation of Congress member Neil tive leadership have been proven Inouye and House of Representa- On the Inside Abercrombie. throughout her 10 years of ser- tive Mazie Hirono. “Colleen Hanabusa is undoubt- vice in the State Legislature,” The Committee plans to meet Hawaii Longshore Division edly the best person to represent explained President Fred with the two leading candidates Election results, page 2 the people of Hawaii in the US Galdones. for governor, Neil Abercrombie Congress. She has deep roots in “The ILWU will work hard to and Mufi Hannemann, before Akaka meets with LEC, Hawaii and shares the political educate and mobilize our mem- making any endorsement for the page 3 and social views that have made bers to support Hanabusa in the governor’s race. Gay & Robinson’s last harvest, page 4 Haliimaile Pineapple Co. to continue pine on Maui, page 5 Competitive hotel pricing, page 6 Catholic church: “love of profits can be

ILWU pension clubs on all islands work hard to support the union’s political action program. In the photos above, evil,” page 7 Oahu retirees volunteer their time to help prepare “door hangers” for one of the candidates endorsed by the ILWU. Above left (l-r): Esther Scharsch, George Dantsuka, and Haruye Ichiki. Above right (l-r): Mel Yamamoto, Rose Mattos, Changes to the Family and Val Elizar. Also present were Mabel Mirikitani, Misao Muranaka, Dorothy Yokomichi, and Agnes Ching. Leave law, page 8

The next Local 142 Executive Board (LEB) meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2010, in Honolulu at the ILWU building at 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. ILWU members are welcome to attend as observers. OF page 2 VOICETHE ILWU January/February 2010 H a w a i i L o n g s h o r e D i v i s i o n Hawaii Longshore Division election results The newly formed Hawaii The results were announced on One of the candidates for vice The Hawaii Longshore Division December 14, 2009. Nathan division director requested a will operate out of the ILWU Hall Longshore Division “Nate” Lum was elected division recount of the ballots for that on 451 Atkinson Drive in director, William “Baba” Haole race. As required by the ILWU Honolulu. elected their statewide and Henry Kreutz were elected as Local 142 Constitution, the Their executive secretary is vice division directors, and Judicial Panel reviewed the officers in balloting at all Lynette Mau. They can be Charles Kimo Brown was elected request and ordered a recount of reached by phone through the secretary-treasurer. the ballots for vice division longshore units on all same number of the Atkinson Two full-time committeemen/ director. ILWU office at (808) 949-4161. islands from December 1 business agents were elected— The recount was announced on Their fax number is (808) 941- Dennis Morton and Tyrone December 29, 2009, and did not to December 11, 2009. Tahara. change the results of the election. 9298. William “Baba” Haole and Henry E-mail to the Hawaii Longshore Kreutz were still elected as vice Division or their officers may be LONGSHORE DIVISION OFFICERS division directors. sent to [email protected]. * Elected

Division Director Hawaii Maui Kauai Oahu Total *Lum, Nathan “Nate” 45 29 27 486 587

Vice Division Director** Hawaii Maui Kauai Oahu Total Dawson, Dustin 29 13 22 243 307 *Haole, William “Baba” 45 30 26 422 523 *Kreutz, Henry 18 25 4 271 314 **(results of recount on December 29, 2009)

Secretary-Treasurer Hawaii Maui Kauai Oahu Total *Brown, Charles Kimo 46 25 21 398 490

Committeeman/Bus. Agent Hawaii Maui Kauai Oahu Total Asuncion, Alvin “Pretty” 10 13 0 106 129 Mariani, Ward 12 11 4 201 228 *Morton, Dennis 25 13 21 191 250 Hawaii Longshore Division balloting committee members Brian Indreginal *Tahara, Tyrone 45 31 26 460 562 and Alika Somera tabulate the ballots on Dec. 14, 2009. Kammy Kalili and Chad Rees also tabulated ballots. Election Committee Chair Dennis Kanaha and assistant Allen Rabut oversaw the Hawaii Longshore Division election. Hawaii longshore sets up division structure The newly formed Hawaii Longshore Division will create a fifth Division within the ILWU and will operate much like the existing Divisions of Local 142—Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. The Hawaii Longshore Division the Container Yard/Container Director will have a seat on the Freight Station; and Mike Local Executive Committee and the Victorino for Young Brothers. Local Political Action Committee. Nate Lum stepped down as the Longshore Division will have chair of Unit 4201. He appointed three full-time employees—the two Baba Haole as the chair of Unit Business Agents and the executive 4201 and Dustin Dawson as the secretary. vice chair of Unit 4201 overall. The Hawaii Longshore Division This was done to prevent a possible held its first Division Executive conflict of interest and allows the Board meeting on December 21-22, Longshore Division Director to Hawaii Longshore Division officers are sworn in by ILWU International President 2009. Members of the board in- focus on directing the business of Robert McEllrath at their first Division Executive Board meeting. (L-r) McEllrath, clude the four division titled the division. This action was William “Baba” Haole, Tyrone Tahara, Nate Lum, Charles “Kimo” Brown, Dennis officers and the chairs from all ratified by the membership. Morton. (Below) Division Executive Board members are sworn in. longshore units. In other business the Longshore The Board elected three mem- Executive Board read into the bers to serve as Division Trustees: record the Division’s Constitution, Dennis Inouye from Oahu Mainte- Bylaws and finance policy. A nance; Nelson Rita from Kauai budget was also adopted as Longshore; and Shawna Raposa amended. from Oahu Young Brothers. International President The Board also named a State- McEllrath swore in the titled wide Jurisdiction Committee officers: Nate Lum as Division composed of the following: Nelson Director, William Baba Haole as Rita for Longshore; Henry Kreutz Vice Division Director, and Charles for Wharf Clerks; Leith Suganuma Kimo Brown as Secretary-Trea- for Maintenance; Ron Honda for surer. OF January/February 2010 VOICETHE ILWU page 3 C o m m u n i t y a n d P o l i t i c a l A c t i o n Martin Luther King holiday—a day of service

Business Agent Karl Lindo and office worker Jenn Alviar pass On Martin Luther King Day, January 18, 2010, Americans are urged to spend the holiday in a out lollipops with a message in English and Japanese to day of service to their community. On Oahu, the ILWU marched in a parade through Waikiki Boycott the Pacific Beach Hotel. The trolley on the right is filled with a message of peace and justice. with retirees waving ILWU signs. Senator Akaka meets with Local Executive Committee U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka met the completion of their work. with the ILWU’s Local Executive “We’re very busy in the Senate, Committee on January 11, 2010, to working on a number of important brief them on some of the major programs.” Akaka mentioned na- developments in Washington D.C. tional health care reform and the Akaka told the Committee that President Obama has brought a new funding for Honolulu’s rail transit as style of leadership to the White some of the important issues. House that reflects Obama’s roots in The Local Executive Committee Hawaii. “You know he’s from Ha- meets monthly and is made up of the waii.” Akaka explained how Obama union’s top officers—President Isaac has appointed a very ethnically Fiesta, Jr, Vice-President Donna diverse group of people to leadership Domingo, Secretary-Treasurer Guy positions. Obama is also more Fujimura, and the five Division informal, putting together teams instead of forming commissions. The Directors—Richard Baker, Jr, teams get the job done faster, be- William Kennison, Michael cause Obama sets time frames for Machado, Dave Mori, and Nate Lum. 2010 ILWU legislative priorities who appear to favor the insurers and Taking the counties share of the tax Six high priority issues will guide underestimate a worker’s disabili- to balance the state’s budget would ties. Creating a panel of physicians create hardship for the counties and the work of the ILWU during the would help eliminate this unfair could hurt the tourism industry on practice. the Neighbor Islands. 3. Strong support for harbor 6. Oppose the State “taking” 2010 Legislative Session. development throughout the State the rail tax of 0.5% added to the 1. Worker Retention. The union timely payments of benefits when a of Hawaii, based on the priorities general excise tax for the City and will continue to work for legislation claim is made, prevent benefits from established by the Hawaii Harbor County of Honolulu. The rail tax was to protect jobs and employment when being cut while a claim is being Users Group. Waterfront develop- adopted to fund the rail system and companies are purchased, ownership investigated or under appeal, and ment must prioritize the need to the state should not attempt to or management changes, a lease is require insurance companies to pay provide for growing manifested cargo balance its budget by taking the tax. transferred, or assets are sold or the cost of an appeal when they deny operations and not compromise safe transferred and the business opera- a worker’s claim and the worker working conditions for the employ- tion continues in a similar manner later wins the claim in the appeal. ees. as under the previous owner or The ILWU will work to address the 4. Strong support for senior management. problem of physicians declining to citizens’ programs. Maintain 2. Workers Compensation. The treat workers compensation cases existing programs and oppose the ILWU will work to maintain the because of cost or paperwork. The state cutting funds to senior pro- The VOICE of the ILWU (ISSN 0505-8791) is published grams in efforts to balance the monthly except April and a combined June/July issue for existing “presumption clause” in the union will also work to create a panel $2 per year by Hawaii International Longshoremen’s & Workersí Compensation law which of medical providers from which the state’s budget. Warehousemen’s Union, 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. Periodicals postage paid at the post office “presumes” an injury is work related injured worker and insurer can 5. Oppose the State “taking” of Honolulu, Hawaii.

unless the employer can prove the select a physician when insurers the county share of the Transient POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VOICE of the injury or illness is not because of want an Independent Medical Accommodations Tax (TAT). Pres- ILWU, c/o ILWU Local 142, 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, HI 96814. Editorial Board: Fred Galdones, Donna Domingo their work. Examination of the injured worker. ently, the counties get a share of the and Guy K. Fujimura. tax which they use to maintain The union will continue to support Presently, insurance companies tend Editor: Mel Chang improvements in the law requiring to select from a group of physicians county facilities and programs.

VEBA Retiree Benefit Plan - On Oahu - 441-8600 or Neighbor Islands Toll Free (888) 256-3578. OF page 4 VOICETHE ILWU January/February 2010 Last sugar harvest for Kauai’s Gay & Robinson After 120 years of growing sugar on Kauai, the Gay & The last harvest ended with a Robinson Company hauled its last load of sugar cane parade of cane trucks and workers that began in Pakala from the fields to the mill on October 30, 2009. The cane and traveled through Waimea, Kaumakani and Hanapepe haul trucks paraded from the Makaweli Post Office before returning to the mill in through the town of Waimea, followed by trucks and cars Kaumakani (left.) Pick-up trucks bore the names of of employees. plantation departments and About 130 ILWU members re- paid less than one dollar a day. shops and the words “Sweet Memories.” Workers and mained on the payroll until November Hawaii had the advantage of the family members watch the last 25, 2009. most advanced sugar technology in cane being unloaded at the A handful of ILWU members will the world. Years of research by the mill (below). continue to work for Gay & Robinson, Hawaii Sugar Planters Association, producing electricity at the company’s some funded by public money, pro- hydroelectric plant. duced high yield cane varieties, ILWU members and retirees living efficient cultivation methods such as in plantation housing operated by Gay drip irrigation, and specialized & Robinson are not immediately machinery for planting and harvest- affected by the shutdown of sugar ing. operations. The housing and rental Hawaii sugar plantations routinely rates are set by collective bargaining produced double the average yield of between the union and company. sugar companies in Texas, Louisiana, Twenty years ago, there were four or Florida and many times higher sugar companies on Kauai which than foreign sugar companies. employed over 1200 workers--Gay and In the 1970s, the five corporations Robinson, Kekaha Sugar, Olokele which owned Hawaii’s sugar industry Sugar, and Lihue Sugar. were flush with cash. They developed HC&S on Maui, which employs resorts and commercial properties, about 750 ILWU members, is the last bought companies on the mainland, or remaining sugar company in Hawaii. expanded their sugar and pineapple HC&S is also fighting for its survival operations to other countries. as a bad decision by the State Water

Photos by Mona Dotario Commission could cut off its supply of Decline of Sugar water. C. Brewer/International Utilities, 2,500 ILWU members lost their jobs. Gay & Robinson held on until the actively sold its sugar technology and The companies are: Hilo Coast Pro- end of 2009, a victim of high gas prices Sugar Was Big service as a sugar consultant to cessing Company (1994 - 300 union in 2008, the financial and credit crisis When the ILWU first unionized foreign countries. Castle and Cooke jobs); Mauna Kea Agribusiness (1994 - of 2009, and the uncertain economics sugar workers from 1944 to 1945, (Dole Foods) expanded to the Philip- 100 jobs); Hamakua Sugar (1994 - 530 of ethanol production. there were 33 plantations, with 25,000 pines and Thailand. jobs); Oahu Sugar (1995 - 275 jobs); workers. Most of the workers were in Hawaii began losing its technologi- Wailuku Ag (1995 - 70 jobs); Ka‘u Sugar Prices Hit High Sugar (1996 - 250 jobs); Waialua the fields, cutting cane by hand. cal advantage as foreign sugar In January 2010, the price of raw Mechanization greatly increased companies began using the same cane Sugar (1996 - 300 jobs); McBryde sugar jumped to 29 cents a pound, the productivity, and by 1970, less than varieties, cultivation techniques, and (1996 - 100 jobs); Pioneer Mill (1999 - highest since 1981 (29 years ago). Bad 10,000 workers were producing more machinery, while paying their work- 150 jobs); C&H Refinery (50 jobs); and weather in Brazil and India, the two sugar than the 25,000 workers in the ers a fraction of the wages paid in Amfac Kauai (2000 - 400 jobs). 1940s. Hawaii. Only the most efficient, well fi- largest producers of sugar, resulted in Through collective bargaining, In 1994, the passage of the so-called nanced, and best managed sugar poor crops. This means less sugar is ILWU sugar workers earned higher free trade agreements with Canada companies could compete and survive available while consumption of sugar wages and better benefits then any and Mexico, began to open the US in these conditions. It would also take increases in India and China. agricultural worker in the US or market to foreign produced sugar. luck as bad weather could also take Some sugar analysts predict raw world, but Hawaii sugar companies Between 1994 and 2000, eleven down a plantation. sugar could reach 40 cents a pound. could still compete with sugar coming Hawaii sugar companies decided it from countries where workers were was time to quit the business and over Sugar transformed Hawaii Early polynesian settlers brought American businessmen quickly Rudias to replace Raposas on “ko” (sugar cane) to Hawaii and used capitalized on the opportunity. They International Executive Board the juice to sweeten herbal medicines bought land from the Hawaiians and and to treat cuts. started sugar plantations on every Kelly Rudias, an ILWU member A Chinese sugar miller is credited island, but they couldn’t get enough from HC&S Maui, will replace Aurora with producing the first crystallized workers from the local population of Raposas as the sugar grouping sugar in 1802 on Lanai. He brought Hawaiians. representative on the ILWU Interna- his milling stones and boilers with The sugar growers organized the tional Executive Board. him and produced a small amount of Hawaii Sugar Planters Association Raposas, from Gay & Robinson on refined sugar and molasses. He to recruit temporary contract work- Kauai, was originally elected and returned to China, but this process of ers from around the world. confirmed at the first International crystalizing sugar continued to be Tens of thousands of Chinese were Executive Board meeting on October used to make small batches of the brought to Hawaii. Then Japanese, 15-16, 2009. Since then, Gay & sweetener. Portuguese, Koreans, and Filipinos Robinson terminated its sugar Ladd and Company established were recruited to work on the planta- operations, Raposas was laid off, and the first commercial plantation at tions. Most returned to their home Kauai no longer has a sugar grouping. Koloa, Kauai in 1835 and produced countries, but many stayed and The remaining ILWU members at enough sugar to export 8,000 pounds intermarried, creating the “melting Gay & Robinson will form a new unit Kelly Rudias from HC&S Maui. under General Trades. to the U.S. in 1836. There was a pot” of ethnic groups unique to Local 142 sugar delegates who sugar grouping representative on the strong and growing demand for Hawaii. attended the International Convention Local Executive Board. The appoint- sugar from the U.S. Five companies gained control of in June 2009 knew Gay & Robinson ment was made by the Titled Officers After 1850, the Great Mahele nearly all the sugar plantations would shut down and selected Rudias and confirmed by the Maui Division turned land into private property which generated tremendous wealth as an alternate. The Local 142 Execu- Executive Board. Rudias, as a mem- which was divided among the Hawai- for their owners, which led to politi- tive Board approved this replacement ber of the International Executive ian people, with most of the land cal power, and the motivation to on December 18, 2009. Board, will continue to attend meet- going to the royal families. Foreign overthrow the Hawaiian Kingdom, Esther Bugtong, the unit chair of ings of the Local Executive Board as residents were allowed to buy land and annexation to the United States HC&S, will replace Rudias as the an observer. and missionary descendants and in 1898. OF January/February 2010 VOICETHE ILWU page 5 N e w s A r o u n d t h e U n i o n New company continues pine production on Maui A new company, the Haliimaile Pineapple It has been a rough eight years for pineapple grown in Costa Rica by Maui Pine workers who are all ILWU workers earning $1 an hour. It was Co., will continue to grow pineapple to members. They had to endure layoffs, the same pineapple as Maui Gold relocations, job changes, and man- and Dole’s Hawaii Gold. supply the fresh, whole-fruit market and agement decisions which sometimes The lawsuit claimed Fresh Del made no sense. Monte claimed exclusive rights to the supply juice used by Tedeschi Vineyards to It started with management plans pineapple and threatened legal to close the Kahului Cannery and action against distributors and stores make its pineapple wine. move to a new packing plant at that sold Maui or Hawaii Gold Haliimaile. Then the company pineapple. The judge dismissed the The new company has purchased Maui Pine Closure decided to close Haliimaile plantation case saying there was insufficient some of Maui Pine’s equipment, After 97 years, the last harvest for and move everything to Honolua. evidence. leased 1,000 acres of land, and Maui Pine, a subsidiary of Maui When that didn’t work out, the bought the rights to use the Maui Land & Pineapple Co., was Dec. 23, company decided to close Honolua Joint MD-2 research and move back to Haliimaile. Gold brand. 2009. ends in litigation Through it all, the workers did The company was formed by The company shocked its workers The new pineapple variety was a their best to keep the company going. former Maui Pineapple Company and the local community when it hybrid named MD-2 created after executives, Ulupalakua Ranch owner Earlier this year, Maui Pine mem- suddenly announced on November 3, years of research by the Hawaii Pardee Erdman, and other share- 2009, that it would close all pine- bers agreed to a 10 percent wage cut Pineapple Institute, which was holders. apple operations by the end of the to show their commitment to the jointly funded by Maui Pine, Dole, The company started operating on year. There would be no attempt to survival of the company. and Del Monte. The Institute shut January 2, 2010, with 65 former harvest the ripening crop already down in 1986 and the assets were Maui Pine workers. The company planted on 3,000 acres. The company Pineapple war divided among the three companies. also negotiated a collective bargain- said it lost $115 million from its Maui Pine’s sudden decision to quit ing agreement with the ILWU. pineapple operations since 2002. pineapple may have been influenced Since 2000, the three companies Haliimaile Pineapple is already The company would focus on its by a September 30, 2009, federal have sued each other over the use of receiving orders for fresh pineapple Kapalua Resort and real estate court dismissal of an anti-trust the MD-2 pineapple, trademark and from Maui hotels, Oahu, and the business which it operates as the lawsuit against Fresh Del Monte on patent infringement. All of these Mainland. If demand for their Kapalua Land Company. Develop- September 30, 2009. The lawsuit cases were dropped, dismissed, or pineapple increases, the company ments in the resort include: The filed in 2004, charged Fresh Del settled out of court. may hire more workers. Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; The Ritz- Monte with unfair trade practices in As a result, none of the companies The company plans to consolidate Carlton Club and Residence; the its sale of Del Monte Gold Extra have the exclusive right to MD-2, its operations in Haliimaile where it Kapalua Spa; Kapalua Villas; The Sweet pineapple. there is no patent on MD-2, and will pack, store and ship its pine- Plantation and The Bay Golf Fresh Del Monte was flooding the farmers all over the world are apple. Courses; and the Honolua Store. U.S. market with the extra sweet growing MD-2 pineapple. Worldwide pineapple technology came from Hawaii In 1996, Del Monte sold its fresh 7,000 acres in Brazil. Oahu pine- Decline of Pineapple Pine had dropped to one-half its fruit division to a corporation con- apple land was not replanted and the At its peak in 1992, Maui Pine former size with 568 members. 100 trolled by the Abu-Ghazaleh family Del Monte plantation in Hawaii consisted of five ILWU units with at Honolua, 20 in the Container, 97 from Jordon. Del Monte was an shrank from 9,600 acres in 1996 to 1,233 members: Honolua Plantation in the Cannery, 223 at Haliimaile, American company with roots in 5,800 acres in 2001. with 161 workers, the Container and 128 Intermittents. California. Del Monte members remember Operations with 54 members, the Today, in 2010, the ILWU’s Pine- Mohammed Abu-Ghazaleh, chair- acres of seed being prepared to air Cannery with 203 members, apple Grouping is down to 280 man and CEO, incorporated Fresh ship to Costa Rica. Del Monte mem- Haliimaile Plantation with 262 members--65 on Maui and 215 on Del Monte under the laws of the bers were also flown to Costa Rica to members, and 552 Intermittents, Oahu. In 1980, there were close to Caymen Islands, which makes it a who were covered seasonals. 4,000 members in the Pineapple foreign company. The company had high hopes for Grouping. Fresh Del Monte began selling the Ghazaleh, with no allegiance its Maui Gold pineapple, but Fresh gold pineapple in 1996 which became Del Monte would shatter this dream. Cabading remains an instant success with U.S. and to Hawaii or the U.S., chose Fresh Del Monte bought their own European consumers. to transfer all production of container ships to deliver the pine- on International At the time, Fresh Del Monte grew the gold pineapple to its apple from Costa Rica to Del Monte Executive Board most of its gold pineapple in Hawaii owned distribution centers in the and some on a plantation it owned in plantations in Costa Rica, United States and Europe. Costa Costa Rica. Ghazaleh, with no Africa, and South America. Rican agricultural workers are paid allegiance to Hawaii or the U.S., a fraction of the wages earned by chose to transfer all production of the Hawaii pineapple workers. This gold pineapple to its plantations in repair and setup equipment and gives the company a huge cost Costa Rica, Africa, and South Costa Rican managers worked in advantage over Maui Pine and Dole, America. This was strictly a business Hawaii to learn the cultivation and Fresh Del Monte can price their decision to grow the pineapple closer techniques. pineapple lower and still make a to the markets in countries with It takes 18 months from seed to good profit. lower labor costs. mature fruit so it would take 3-5 By 2007, the membership of Maui Pineapple is grown by taking plant years before Costa Rica and Brazil material from the crown, slips, or reached full production of the new suckers of one crop to produce the pineapple. Costa Rican agricultural next crop. From 1997 to 2001, Fresh In February 2006, Fresh Del Monte workers are paid a fraction of Douglas Cabading was hired by Del Monte took almost half the plant announced it would close its Oahu Haliimaile Pineapple Company and material grown on its Oahu planta- plantation immediately, two years the wages earned by Hawaii will continue to represent the tion to “seed” 22,000 acres in Costa ahead of schedule. Over 700 ILWU pineapple workers. Pineapple Grouping on the ILWU International Executive Board. Rica, 12,600 acres in Kenya, and Del Monte members lost their jobs.

Health & WelfareVEBA - HMA Retiree Office Benefit- 866-377-3977; Plan - On Akamai Oahu -Line 441-8600 - 866-331-5913; or Neighbor Catalyst Islands RX Toll - 888-869-4600; Free (888) 256-3578. Kaiser - 800-966-5955. OF page 6 VOICETHE ILWU January/February 2010 N e g o t i a t i o n B r i e f s The Westin Maui workers win good settlement

Westin Maui Hotel member Vicky Maliikapu-Cabading prints a bulletin for Neizman, Secretary Alex Ajolo, and Treasurer Lourdes Rivera. Because of union members and maintains an outstanding union bulletin board which their strength and solidarity, The Westin Maui members were able to negotiate educates and informs members about the union. Star Medeiros is the Chair a new contract with hotel management that increases wages by 13.75% for of the unit, which has a strong unit structure with active officers and union non-tipped workers and $.60 an hour for tipped workers by the end of the five stewards, including 1st Vice Chair Michael Bunyard, 2nd Vice Chair Jerome year contract. Other improvements were made and benefits were maintained. Competitive Hotel pricing in uncertain times Hotels that kept their room rates high made more room. For example, a hotel that cuts Economy hotels rates by 10 percent would have to see People who stay in midscale and money than competing hotels that cut room rates to an increase in occupancy of more economy hotels are more sensitive than 10 percent to make more about price. Even in the low end boost occupancy. This was the surprising results of a money. In reality, the increase in markets, the hotels that kept their seven-year study by the Cornell University School of occupancy is around 2-4 percent, so room rates 5 percent higher then the price cutting hotel loses 6-8 their competitors still did better in Hotel Administration. percent in revenues. total revenues per room. The competing hotel that kept Two hotel operators commented The study, conducted by Cathy hotels in the same area and same room prices the same would lose 2-4 that the study matched their experi- Enz, Ph.D, Linda Canina, Ph.D., and market segment—luxury, upscale, percent in occupancy and revenues, ence. In a tough year, one hotel kept Mark Lomanno, appears in the June midscale, economy, and full service but this is much less than the 6-8 their rates the same while their 2009 Cornell Hospitality Report. or limited service. percent loss of the price-cutting competitors cut room prices. The Their research analyzed room hotel. competitors suffered revenue losses rates and occupancy levels of over Discounting is bad of 13 percent and 33 percent, while 67,000 hotels in all market seg- Surprisingly, the Cornell study Luxury hotels the steady hotel lost less than 4 ments, from luxury to economy, and found that hotels that kept their In the luxury and upscale market, percent. during a bad economy from 2001 to room rates higher did better in there was little change in occupancy Another hotel tried reducing rates 2003 and a good economy between revenues per room than their com- for hotels that priced their rooms up on Sunday’s which tend to be slow. It 2004 and 2007. petitors who cut room rates. to 10 percent above their competi- made no difference in occupancy, so Many hotel operators believe that This was true for all classes of tors. Occupancy would begin to drop rather than lose money when the lowering room rates during tough hotels and in both good and bad slightly when luxury hotels priced room is sold, the hotel went back to economic times will improve their economic times. their rooms 10 to 15 percent higher, the full Sunday rate. occupancy and revenues by taking The results were so consistent that but the higher room rates more than customers away from their competi- the authors of the study suggest the made up for lower room sales. Download full report tors or by attracting new customers. best strategy to make money is to The researchers found that luxury You can find a summary of the Competing hotels are pressured to maintain your room prices up to 10 hotels that priced their rooms 20-30 report at the following website: match or lower their room rates, percent higher than your competi- percent above their competitors still http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/ fearing a loss of business. tors. enjoyed about 13 percent higher total research/chr/pubs/reports/abstract- The Cornell study focuses on Cutting room rates does increase revenues per room then their com- 15087.html whether this discounting of room occupancy, but the increase in petitors. The clientele of luxury and You can download the full report rates is a good or bad business occupancy is never high enough to upscale hotels are more concerned but you will need to register as a strategy and looked at competing offset the loss of total revenues per about guest service than price. user—its free. Pacific Beach Hotel management appeals, International boycott continues, U.S. labor board vows to pursue justice for workers HTH Corporation, owners of the seven fired workers, restore all D.C. on October 28, 2009. Democrats and two are Republicans. Pacific Beach Hotel and Pagoda agreements made with the ILWU, The appeal will be heard by the A senate subcommittee approved Restaurant and Hotel, has refused to pay the union the costs of negotia- five-member National Labor Rela- the nominees in October 2009, but abide by the remedies ordered by tions, and make a series of other tions Board. Currently there are only the full Senate must confirm the NLRB Judge James. M. Kennedy in changes. two members—chairperson Wilma appointments. a ruling issued on September 30, Leibman and Peter Schaumber. 2009. Hotel appeals decision President Obama has named Craig NLRB seeks court injunction Judge Kennedy found the hotel Complaining that the NLRB judge Becker, Mark Pearce, and Brian Tom Cestare, officer in charge of had seriously violated 15 counts of and the Hawaii NLRB office were Hayes to the three vacant positions, the Hawaii NLRB, estimates it may federal labor law and ordered the biased against management, HTH but the U.S. Senate has not yet take six or more months for the hotel to resume negotiations with the Vice-President Robert Minicola confirmed the appointments. Three Board to act on the appeal. To seek ILWU, rehire and pay back wages to appealed the decision to Washington of the appointees are pro-labor —continued on page 7 OF January/February 2010 VOICETHE ILWU page 7 L a b o r S t r u g g l e s C o n t i n u e

On January 19, 2010, the ILWU and other unions joined a picket and rally nicians at Kaiser and UNITE-HERE represents pharmacy and other workers. supporting UNITE-HERE workers at Kaiser Permanente. The rally at the Kaiser is planning to move its mail-order prescription work to Colorado which Honolulu Kaiser Clinic was attended by over 500 union members, mostly will cut jobs in Hawaii. Pictured on the left are Dave Mori, Brian Tanaka, and members from UNITE-HERE hotels. The massive rally was an impressive Larry Ruiz. ILWU Vice President Donna Domingo is pictured above. President demonstration of support and solidarity. The ILWU represents imaging tech- Isaac Fiesta Jr. was also at the rally. Catholic church calls for people-centered economy Workers need unions—love of profits can be evil “Profit is useful if it serves as a endangered the rights of workers, “The repeated calls issued within the towards future generations and means toward an end,” wrote Pope and demanded that workers be Church’s social doctrine, beginning towards humanity as a whole.” Benedict XVI. “Once profit becomes allowed to organize in unions to with Rerum Novarum [60], for the “No consideration of the problems the exclusive goal, if it is produced by protect their rights and guarantee promotion of workers’ associations associated with development could improper means and without the steady, decent employment. that can defend their rights must fail to highlight the direct link common good as its ultimate end, it Pope Benedict XVI signed his third therefore be honoured today even between poverty and unemployment. risks destroying wealth and creating encyclical at the Vatican, Monday, more than in the past, as a prompt In many cases, poverty results from poverty. The economic development July 6, 2009. Benedict XVI criticized and far-sighted response to the a violation of the dignity of human that Paul VI hoped to see was meant the profit-at-all-cost mentality of the urgent need for new forms of work, either because work to produce real growth, of benefit to globalized economy and lamented cooperation at the international level, opportunities are limited (through everyone and genuinely sustainable.” that greed has brought about the as well as the local level.” unemployment or underemploy- “The economy needs ethics in order worst economic downturn since the “Today the subject of development ment), or “ because a low value is put to function correctly—not any ethics Great Depression. is also closely related to the duties on work and the rights that flow whatsoever, but an ethics which is arising from our relationship to the from it, especially the right to a just people-centered.” Workers need unions natural environment. The The Head of the Catholic Church The Pope’s encyclical encouraged environment is God’s gift to everyone, wage and to the personal security of denounced the drive to outsource and supported the importance of and in our use of it we have a the worker and his or her family” work to the cheapest bidder had labor unions for working people. responsibility towards the poor, [143]. For this reason, on 1 May 2000 on the occasion of the Jubilee of Workers, my venerable predecessor Pope John Paul II issued an appeal Pacific Beach Hotel boycott continues—from page 6 for “a global coalition in favour of immediate relief for the workers, the NLRB ‘decent work’ ” [144], supporting the went to the Federal District Court in strategy of the International Labour Honolulu on January 7, 2010. They are Organization. In this way, he gave a asking the court to order HTH management strong moral impetus to this to rehire the seven fired workers and objective, seeing it as an aspiration resume bargaining with the ILWU. of families in every country of the Cestare told the ILWU the NLRB sees world. What is meant by the word this as an important case and is committed “decency” in regard to work? It to allocate the resources necessary to seek means work that expresses the the court injunction and prepare for the essential dignity of every man and appeal to Washington. At least five NLRB woman in the context of their agents are involved in the case—two in particular society: work that is freely Hawaii, two in San Francisco, and one in chosen, effectively associating Washington D.C. workers, both men and women, with the development of their community; Japan steps up boycott work that enables the worker to be Japanese supporters of the ILWU workers respected and free from any form of at the hotel were elated by the NLRB decision discrimination; work that makes it and plan to intensify their boycott of the possible for families to meet their Pacific Beach Hotel. They met with top union leaders of the JTB Group workers union, the needs and provide schooling for their Tourism and Air Cargo Committee, and children, without the children Service Rengo. The leaders agreed to have themselves being forced into labour; each travel agent workers union talk to their work that permits the workers to management about the NLRB decision. organize themselves freely, and to Meetings are also being arranged with the make their voices heard; work that Hawaii branches of the major Japan travel leaves enough room for rediscovering agencies. one’s roots at a personal, familial and Local Filipino organizations have also spiritual level; work that guarantees stepped up their boycott of the hotel until those who have retired a decent HTH Corp. stops violating workers’ rights. standard of living.”

Visit the ILWU Local 142 website - www.ilwulocal142.org ★ Also see http://pacbeachworkers.ilwulocal142.org OF page 8 VOICETHE ILWU January/February 2010 M e m b e r s h i p S e r v i c e s Colon cancer 3rd most common, but easily treated if detected early Colorectal Cancer, is the third annually from the disease. most common cancer in both men • More than 80% of Hawaii and women. Colorectal cancer is the residents who develop colorectal second leading cause of cancer death cancer are age 55 or older at the time in the United States. Approximately of diagnosis. 90 percent of all colorectal cancer • Japanese males have the highest cases and deaths are thought to be incidence rates for colon cancer in preventable through appropriate Hawaii; however, Hawaiian males screening. have the highest death rates. Nationwide, an estimated 150,000 • Survival from colorectal cancer is new cases of colorectal cancer are more than 90 percent when the expected annually. Fortunately, the cancer is diagnosed before it has disease can be successfully treated extended beyond the intestinal wall. when detected early. However, on average, only about 44% of the close to 3,900 cases of Happy retirement, Clayton Dela Cruz Hawaii Colorectal colorectal cancers diagnosed in Kauai Division held a surprise retirement party for former Division Cancer Facts: Hawaii between 1995 and 2000 were Director Clayton Dela Cruz on December 19, 2009. Pictured above is • In Hawaii there are about 653 diagnosed at an early stage. Clayton with members of his family (l-r): son Vaughn, granddaughter newly diagnosed cases of colorectal So, if you’re 50 years or older, talk Shayla, son Matthew, grandson Jeremiah, granddaughter Kiani, Clayton, cancer each year. to your doctor about colorectal cancer wife Tedi, granddaughter Ciera, and daughter Keiki. Over 100 ILWU • 174 people in Hawaii die screening tests. members, family and staff attended the party, which was held after the December Division Executive Board meeting. Family Medical Leave changes To: ILWU members On January 16, 2009, important Under the first of these new military with AIG auto insurance— new rules on the Family Medical family leave entitlements, eligible Leave Act went into effect. Following employees who are family members AIG no-fault cards still valid are some of the changes: of covered servicemembers will be • Employees will have to follow able to take up to 26 workweeks of Many ILWU members may still have their AIG Hawaii auto their employer’s call-in policies when leave in a “single 12-month period” to they are planning to miss work care for a covered servicemember insurance insurance card. Some police officers have “absent unusual circumstances.” with a serious illness or injury questioned drivers if these cards are valid, as the company Previously, employees had up to two incurred in the line of duty, while on was purchased and is now named Farmers Insurance Hawaii business days after an absence to active duty. notify the company that their ab- This 26 workweek entitlement is a as of January 1, 2010. sence was due to family leave. special provision that extends FMLA • One definition of a “serious job-protected leave beyond the The Hawaii Insurance Division and Farmers Insurance health condition” involves more than normal 12 weeks of FMLA leave. Hawaii have informed all county police departments that three days of incapacity, and must This provision also extends FMLA the AIG Hawaii auto insurance cards are still valid. New include a visit to a health care protection to additional family provider within seven days of the members (i.e., next of kin) beyond insurance cards under the Farmers Insurance Hawaii start of the incapacity and a second those who may take FMLA leave for name will be issued when your policies are renewed. visit within 30 days of the start of other qualifying reasons. the incapacity. Qualifying Exigency Leave: The It is possible that some police officers may not have received • To have a “chronic condition” second new military leave entitle- that qualifies for FMLA leave, ment helps families of members of this information and may question you about the AIG Hawaii employees will have to certify that the National Guard and Reserves auto insurance card. Some service stations may also question they visited a doctor at least twice a manage their affairs while the the cards when you renew your safety check for your car. You year for the condition. Previously, member is on active duty in support should inform them the cards are still valid, and they can call the law did not specify a time period. of a contingency operation. • To protect the employee’s pri- This provision makes the normal Farmers Insurance Hawaii at 1-877-533-2444 or 533-2444 on vacy, a new provision prohibits direct 12 workweeks of FMLA job-protected Oahu. supervisors from getting an leave available to eligible employees employee’s medical information with a covered military member Many ILWU units provide group life and 24 Hour Accidental when an FMLA certification is serving in the National Guard or needed. Reserves to use for “any qualifying Death and Dismemberment insurance for their members • Employers may require “fitness- exigency” arising out of the fact that underwritten by AIG Life. These policies will continue to be for-duty” tests for employees a covered military member is on issued under AIG Life when the policies are renewed. returning from intermittent FMLA active duty or called to active duty leave if doing the job raises a signifi- status in support of a contingency The ILWU has a long history and good relations with the cant risk of harm to themselves or operation. others. The Department’s final rule company going back over many years. In 1955, the ILWU • When employers place injured or defines qualifying exigency by partnered with friends of the union to form Hawaii Insurance ill workers on light duty, the time on referring to a number of broad Consultants and Union Insurance Service to provide members light duty doesn’t count against the categories for which employees can employee’s FMLA leave entitlement. use FMLA leave: (1) Short-notice with lower cost insurance without the high pressure sales • The regulations also contain deployment; (2) Military events and pitch to buy unnecessary insurance. These companies were more detailed guidance on the related activities; (3) Childcare and later bought by AIG Hawaii, which continued to provide ILWU substitution of paid leave for FMLA school activities; (4) Financial and leave and new notice requirements legal arrangements; (5) Counseling; members with good service and affordable insurance. Now for employers. (6) Rest and recuperation; (7) Post- Farmers Insurance owns AIG Hawaii. All AIG employees deployment activities; and (8) have been retained by Farmers Insurance Hawaii. Their core Military Family Leave Additional activities not encom- values and focus on customer relations remain unchanged. Two new leave benefits apply to passed in the other categories, but military families. agreed to by the employer and Only the name has changed. Military Caregiver Leave: employee.