The ILWU arranged for state agencies to provide information to Del Monte workers on November 29-30 about job search, job training, and unemployment benefits.

If you are a Del Monte worker and have any questions about the layoff, your benefits or transitioning to another job, please call the ILWU at 949-4161 and ask for Social Services Coordinator Joanne Kealoha or Business Agent Brandon Bajo-Daniel.

Despite the unexpected announcement of the immediate closure of Del Monte in Hawaii on November 17, workers showed up to work the next day with a positive attitude. They worked hard and supported each other, keeping their spirits up—even though many knew it would be their last day of employment with Del Monte (left, top and bottom; below).

One day after the closure was announced Del Monte had already instructed workers to start plowing under fields that it did not intend to harvest. Despite Maui Pineapple Company’s show of interest in harvesting the fruit, by midday rows and rows of pineapple were plowed under.

Del Monte workers have already been participating in job training and other classes. Pictured above are students in the diploma class: (l-r) Bella Tolentino, Aguida Rivera, Sheila Alapati (instructor), Gregoria Padilla, Ahmel Braceros, Virginia Garo, Darlina Gumayagay, Remy Sagocio, and Lilia Guira.