An introductory member guide to Local 142 Convention
Units with 76-250 membership, 2 delegates. Units with 251 to 500 membership, 3 delegates. Units with 501-750 membership, 4 delegates. Units with 751 to 1000 membership, 5 delegates. Units with 1,001 or more membership, 6 delegates. In other words, all of the current governing formations of Local 142 attend convention. In addition to that, each unit can elect delegates according to how many members they
any Division submitting such changes. The Local Secretary-Treasurer will refer the proposed amendments to the Consitutional Committee for review. The Constitutional Committee in caucus prior to and during the Local Convention will review all proposed amendments and make recommendations to the Local Convention. All proposed amendments approved by the Local Convention will be submitted to the membership for ratification. 36.01.1.1 Proposed amendments by the Local Titled Officers or
The Hawaiian term for sovereignty is “ea”. Ea means sovereignty, independence, breath, and to rise. In the Hawaiian Kingdom, July 31st was one of two national holidays celebrating the country’s independence and autonomy. In 1871, a Mānoa man named Kahalemaile wrote an editorial exploring the meaning of ea leading up to that yearʻs annual celebrations. He wrote that “the ea of the ship or the canoe is the steering blade”. In writing this, Kahalemaile was emphasizing the importance of leadership, governance, and an intentional direction of a nation for sovereignty, and sovereignty for the ability to set such direction. The triennial convention of the ILWU Local 142, commonly referred to as “Local Convention” is soon approaching. Recalling the teachings of Kahalemaile, Local Convention should be thought of as the steering blade for the union as rank and file members gather to set the direction of the Union for the next three years. It is the highest level of self governance within the Union and members make decisions in the interest of the Union and, like all Pacific people’s wayfinding and seafaring ancestors of old, to thoughtfully and intentionally sail the union into the future. This year it will be held on Oʻahu at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikīkī from September 9-13. This article is to provide further education on what convention is,
and how it works so that members
can make informed decisions about
participation. The Voice shares the
“who, what, where, and why” of
Convention through the Local 142
Constitution and Bylaws, with added
explanation.
1. What is Local Convention?
Article IV: Local Convention
4.01 The Local Convention shall
be the highest governing body of the
Local in all matters of Local-wide
policy.
This means that the Local
Convention is where all new policy,
positions, and changes to the Local
Constitution are proposed, debated,
voted on and adopted. These actions
are done by delegates, which are
elected members from Units across
all divisions and islands.
2. Who are the Convention
delegates?
Article IV: 4.02: The Convention
shall be composed of the following:
Titled Officers, Division Directors, the
Hawaii Longshore Division Director
and Business Agents, Business
Agents, Local Executive Board
Members, Local 142 International
Executive Board Members, Official
International Executive Board
Observers, Division Political Action
Committee Chairs, Local Board of
Trustees, Division Representatives
and representatives from every unit
or section on the following basis,
one of whom shall be the unit chair
or their alternate.
Units with 10 to 75 membership,
1 delegate.
according to how many members they have in good standing. This is key to operating a democratic union. Rank and file members attend and vote on policy that impacts the entire Union. 3. What happens at Convention? There are four primary “camps” of activity at the Local Convention: 1. Policy-making 2. Constitutional Amendments 3. Officer nominations; 4. Enrichment Let’s go into how each of these work. 1. Policy-making. Policy-making happens through resolutions. Resolutions can propose changes in policies related to many things. They can stand up Union programs such as a housing program, or a program to support new members. They can end Union programs that members may feel are outdated or no longer needed. They can address budget and staffing policies. They can propose official union positions on any number of issues that impact the lives of members and their communities. 2. Constitutional amendments. The Local Constitution provides instruction for making amendments to the Constitution. It reads, Article XXXVI: Amendments. 36.01.1 The proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Local Secretary-Treasurer. All proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Local Secretary-Treasurer at least 30 days before the opening day of the Local Convetion, and shall be legibly typewritten specifying the Article and Section to be amended and signed by the unit or the Local Titled Officer or
any Division shall be reviewed by the Local Executive Board prior to submittal to the Consitutional Committee. According to the Constitution, proposed amendments need to be submitted to Secreatry-Treasurer Michael Victorino Jr. no later than Saturday, August 10, 2024. 3. Officer nominations. The Local Convention takes place every three years and coincides with Local elections. Nominations for the offices of Union President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer happen at the Local Convention. Local Executive Board seats are also nominated. Nominations usually take place on the last day of the Convention. Nominations at the Local Convention are the official kick-off of the Local elections which take place in November. 4. Enrichment. Local Convention isn’t all business. It is also a place for delegates and members to spend time together, build relationships, plug into the various going-ons of the Union, and engage in educational opportunities. Members and staff are currently working to bring a number of great activities and education to this year’s Convention. 4. How do I get involved? All Convention preparations happen at the Unit level. So be on the lookout for and be sure to attend Unit meetings. If you are unsure of when meetings are, contact one of your Unit officers or your Business Agent.