Are you a new employee, hired within the last 12 months?
If so, this issue of the Voice of the ILWU was prepared especially for you. As a union member, you are entitled to many rights and benefits and some responsibilities. This issue will help get you started with the essential information you need as a member of the ILWU. (Even longtime members may find the information useful.)
First of all, the Voice of the ILWU is the official newspaper of the ILWU Local 142. You are receiving the newspaper because you are now a member of the ILWU. Your membership in the ILWU started when you were hired into your job. At the time you were hired, you signed a form which allows for the automatic payment of union dues by payroll deduction. This form also serves as an application for membership in the union.
Say Hello to New Members!
Do you see any new faces at your workplace?
You should, especially if you work in the tourism industry or general trades. In these two industries, almost 35 percent of the workers have been hired in the last three years.
These new members probably know very little about how the ILWU or any union works. They may not know much about the union contract or how to file a grievance. In fact, many new members mistakenly think their wages and benefits come from the generosity of management, and not because the union negotiated for these improvements.
You can help by saying hello and welcoming them into the ILWU family. Take some time to give them some history about the company and educate them about the union. Invite them to the next union meeting and introduce them to the unit officers. Remember, the union can be much stronger if every member supports their union.
New members in every industry
Local 142 has 22,000 members. About 6,600 members were hired into ILWU organized companies between 2001 and 2003 and thus have been union members for less than three years.
The turnover rate in General Trades is the highest where 40 percent of the membership were hired in the last 3 years. Tourism follows in a close second with 30 percent of the members having less than 3 years seniority. Pineapple and Sugar have a 28 percent and 20 percent turnover rate. Longshore has the lowest turnover with only 18 percent new members hired in the last three years.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME ACTIVE MEMBERS OF INTERNATIONAL LONGSHORE AND WAREHOUSE UNION, LOCAL 142, AFL-CIO, AND YOUR RIGHTS UNDER LAW
As a result of your current employment, you are eligible for membership in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142, AFL-CIO. Union membership is a right and privilege to be proud of.
As an active member of ILWU Local 142 you have the right to participate in the affairs of the Union. Your participation includes involvement in the formulation of proposals for contract negotiations, voting on proposed changes to your collective bargaining agreement, attending and participating in regular and special Union meetings, Union elections, and other affairs of the Union as provided in the ILWU Local 142 Constitution and By-laws.
We believe that most people would want to become active members of the ILWU Local 142, and desire to fully participate in the affairs of their Union. Strong, active and informed members are essential to the strength of your Union. Your participation will benefit both you and your co-workers by helping the Union gain improved wages, benefits and working conditions.
The right, by law, to belong to the Union and to participate in its affairs is a very important right. Currently, by law, you also have the right to refrain from becoming an active member of the Union and you may elect to satisfy the requirements of a contractual union security provision by paying monthly dues and fees to the Union which reflect the representational expenditures of the ILWU Local 142. Please be advised: That 2% of funds were spent in our most recent accounting year (2003) for nonrepresentational activities; that nonmembers can object to having their union security payments spent on such activities; that those who object will be charged only for representational activities; and that if a nonmember objects, the Union will provide detailed information concerning the breakdown between representational and nonrepresentational expenditures. Any objections by a nonmember shall be filed within 30 days and sent to ILWU Local 142 at 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.
Please be advised that nonmember status constitutes a full waiver of the rights and benefits of ILWU Local 142 membership. More specifically, this means you would not be allowed to vote on contract modifications or new contracts; would be ineligible to hold Union office or participate in Union elections; and all other rights, privileges and benefits established for and provided for ILWU Local 142 members by its Constitution and By-laws.
We are confident that after considering your options, you will conclude that the right to participate in the decision making process of your Union is of vital importance to you, your family, and your co-workers, and you will complete and transmit your application for membership in ILWU Local 142. Thank you.
