SAN FRANCISCO—ILWU and West Coast longshore employers reached a tentative agreement on technology on November 1, 2002, thus removing a major roadblock in negotiations for a new contract. The union had bottom line concerns about jurisdiction and the employers met those concerns. This is a major victory for the union and the first real progress made in these negotiations. Under an agreement with the federal mediator, details of the technology package will not be released until the entire contract package has been negotiated.

The bargain: Shipping companies have been able to implement some of the latest technology, the docks are part of one of the nation’s most productive industries, and workers have kept a voice on the job through their union.

HONOLULU—A select group of 92 ILWU members came away from the union’s Sixth Labor Institute with a stronger sense of unity as ILWU members, a renewed commitment to improving the conditions of working people, and the skills and knowledge to make it happen The institute was held from August 25 to 31, 2002, at Tokai University in Honolulu.

The labor institute is a week-long, intensive leadership training program and represents the ILWU’s commitment to education and democratic, rank-and-file unionism where the members run the union.

WAILUKU—Maui Division hosted the ILWU’s 10th Annual Slowpitch Softball tournament which was played at Keopuolani Park in Wailuku on September 28, 2002.

The first place team from Kauai included MVP Ronald “Blackie” Viquelia (front, second from left) and Most Homeruns and Most Runs winner Wendall Nonaka (standing, fourth from left).

KAHUKU—The 49th Annual ILWU State Golf Tournament was held at the Turtle Bay Resort Golf Club on August 31-Sept. 1, 2002. Despite the low turnout of 41 golfers for the event, many who participated couldn’t say enough about how much they enjoyed the tournament play and the awards banquet.

As an organization, the ILWU sat on the bench in the primary election for governor. We had an “open endorsement” in that race which allows our members to vote for anyone they choose but prohibits the union and its leadership from publicly supporting any particular candidate.

Job security topped the list as the most important public policy issue for ILWU members, according to a survey of 122 unit leaders who attended training classes this year. The “Member to Member Survey” asked people to list the biggest concerns facing working families.

Healthcare and Job security topped the list as the two most important public policy issues for ILWU members, according to a survey of 122 unit leaders who attended training classes this year. The “Member to Member Survey” asked people to list the biggest concerns facing working families.

For Labor Day 2002, the ILWU collaborated with other unions in several activities statewide to celebrate the labor holiday.

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