If you want more information about your union or union contract; if you have a problem on the job; if you want to become more involved with your union, the first person you should talk with is your union steward or Unit officer.

Unit officers and stewards are elected by the members of your unit to help their fellow union members on the job. They serve as volunteers and receive no extra pay or special privileges. Their names should be posted on the union bulletin board.

If they can’t help you, they will put you in touch with the ILWU business agent assigned to service your unit.

Business Agents are elected every three years by the ILWU members on your island, or county for Maui Division, or industry for the Hawaii Longshore Division, to work full-time for the union.

Each Business Agent is assigned to work with specific units and should visit your workplace every week or as needed. Business Agents assist unit officers and stewards, negotiate contracts, and work directly with members on their problems.

If you don’t know your Business Agent’s name, call the ILWU Division Office on your island. Regular office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be closed on some holidays.

If your Business Agent is not in the office, you should leave a message with a phone number and a good time when you can be reached. Division phone numbers are listed below.