Foodland Negotiating Committee, sitting (l-r): Unit Vice Chairperson Jasmine Amaral (#45 Kehalani); Unit Co-Chairperson and Negotiating Chairperson Annie Dickinson (#27 Pupukea), Business Agent Dillon Hullinger, Business Agent/Spokesperson Karl Lindo, Business Agent Jose Miramontes and Unit Chairperson Jennifer Yadao (#41 Keaau). Standing (l-r): Unit Treasurer Lori Kikuyama (#19 Mililani), Barbara Soto (#28 Waipouli), Anabel Cardenas (#18 Dillingham), Unit Co-Chairperson Dona Hamabata (#8 Kaneohe), Unit and Negotiating Committee Secretary Ruby Shimabukuro (#11 Ala Moana), 4th Vice Chairperson Kapono Keliikoa (#37 Kailua), Sierra Delgado (#24 Pukalani), Unit Chairperson Edwina “Ipo” Kamoku-Demello (#28 Waipouli), Lon Mizuno (#37 Kailua) and Myla Cardenas (#18 Dillingham). Not pictured: Lee-Anne De Costa (#1 Market City), Edna Galinato (#45 Kehalani).

HONOLULU—A new three-year statewide agreement running from November 1, 2013 to October 31, 2016 has been ratified by an overwhelming “yes” vote in storeby-store meetings held from July 7 through July 10, 2014.

Oahu Division Business Agent Karl Lindo, who served as chief union spokesperson said, “The new contract brings improvements in both language and economic areas.” The settlement package calls for a 5.75% wage increase to be paid out in increments of 2% effective July 7, 2014, 1.75% effective July 6, 2015, and 2% effective July 4, 2016. Unit 4405 Co-Chairperson Annie Dickinson (#27 Pupukea) chaired the rank-and-file committee representing over 1,100 ILWU members working in 28 stores throughout the state.

Improvements include stronger contract language, such as the establishment of a cap on the amount of days an employee may be suspended pending investigation in a potential disciplinary action. Language strengthening the scheduling of additional work opportunity by seniority has also been added.

Other gains include: an increase in sick leave accumulation, additional funeral leave days for grandparent, grandchildren and minors under the age of 18, and pension plan contribution increases.

Lindo issued the following statement praising both union and company negotiating committees. “Our negotiating committee from all islands worked very hard and did a great job representing the members in helping achieve and ratify the contract settlement. Also, the company representatives worked in good faith with us to reach a fair settlement and address daily work issues at the stores.” He added, “Hopefully our Foodland members recognize and appreciate their officers and stewards efforts in the negotiation process.”

First time participants in negotiations, Anabel Cardenas, Myla Cardenas, Lon Mizuno, and Jennifer Yadao all agreed that the process was a “learning experience.”

Pacific Service & Development members approve contract

KAUAI—In 1968, Pacific Service & Development Corporation began producing and selling both new and recapped tires. Today, the company serves the Island of Kauai as PS&D Tires and as a NAPA Auto parts store.

There are four stores that are located in Lihue, Kapaa, Hanapepe, and Kalaheo. The company employs 50 ILWU members. Covered employees work in tire recapping, warehouse & parts, and tire service departments.

Pension and premium gains 
Running from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019, the duration of the new contract is five years with a 2.5% wage increase each year for the first three years and 3% each year for the following two years. Other improvements include increases in the pension contribution in two different years within the duration and increase in premiums for ASE and TIA certifications also given in two different years within the duration. The ratification was held June 12, 2014 and the recently negotiated collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was approved overwhelmingly.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a non-profit organization that certifies professionals and garages in the automotive repair and service industry in the United States and Canada. The organization’s mission is to assure the quality of vehicle repair and service professionals. An ASE certificate serves as proof of the technician’s competence and effectiveness. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is an international non-profit association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that sell, manufacture, repair, recycle or service new or retreaded tires. A TIA certificate ensures that the best and most qualified technicians are serving the public.

The members of the negotiating committee were Division Director Michael Machado and Kauai Division Business Agent/Spokesperson Doreen Kua.