Front L-R: Unit Secretary-Treasurer Kanani Numata, Unit Vice Chair Chris Nakama, Unit Chair Kimberley Goo. Back L-R: Jeff “Ronny Jr.” Mueller, Business Agent Dennis Morton, International Field Representative Dustin Dawson.
HONOLULU — In an ideal world, every workplace would be unionized. Unions ensure that workers receive the kind of wage increases, job security and benefits that ultimately boost economic mobility.
In other words, unions help more people have a true shot at the American Dream: prosperity, happiness and security.
Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world.
But luckily, our union has several new members who are willing to fight for a different vision of how things usually unfold for the average worker.
Leadership from the ground up
The HSI Clericals are an example of a group of workers who felt unprotected and expressed an interest and need for a union back in September of 2018. When workers vote to be a part of a union, the next step is to negotiate a first contract with management.
Leadership from the ground up The HSI Clericals are an example of a group of workers who felt unprotected and expressed an interest and need for a union back in September of 2018. When workers vote to be a part of a union, the next step is to negotiate a first contract with management. “A lot of times, employers like to treat employees like they’re replacable,” said International Field Representative and Unit Spokesperson Dustin Dawson. “Once you become union, they (the company) know your value as a worker.”
The negotiating committee is comprised of members who are voted into their roles by their fellow workers.
““It was time consuming to learn so many new things,” said Unit Chair Kimberley Goo. “But I was committed because through all the research, I saw how much protection the union gives us. The company cannot blindside you. So just having that level of security is a huge relief for us.”
Hard-earned success
On March 29, 2019, the HSI Clerical negotiating committee met to go over their first contract.
It was ratified the following day, meaning it was approved by vote by other workers in the company.
The union would not survive if not for members whose values align with ours, and we are thankful that we can count on them to take positive action on behalf of those values. Welcome to the ILWU ohana, HSI Clericals. It is so good to have you aboard.
Workplace Heroes: The Union Steward
1. Big Island Stewards Cindy Caravalho and Shannon Severson from Unit 1421 Foodland Waimea.
2. Oahu Stewards Jon Manungas, Rudy Kele, and Phillip Muller, Jr. from Unit 4404 Anheuser-Busch.
3. Maui Stewards on the right side of table, top to bottom: John Palpallatoc and Dane Josue from Unit 2520 Grand Wailea Resort, Derrick Chee from Unit 2511 Makena Shared Services, LLC. Business Agent Manny Baltazar is on the left side of the table and Business Agent Charles Andrion in the background.
4. Big Island Stewards Christine Keanu on the left side of table and Veronica Kahoonei and Allan Cabanting from Unit 1520 Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Food drive help for Mauna Lani Workers
Genesis Gacayan, Business Agent (BA) Michael Dela Cruz, BA Roselyn Molina, BA Jennifer Yadao, Jovena Moses, Colleen Antonio, Tina Lukzen, Jeannie Silva, BA Tristie Licoan with tables full of boxes of donated food to sort through and prepare baskets for distribution to members in need.
HILO — The ILWU slogan “An Injury to One is an Injury to All” is a core philosophy that shapes much of the work of the union, especially during difficult times for our union brothers and sisters.
Many hotels in Hawaii have been undergoing major renovations in order to appeal to ever-growing consumer demand.
While the need to change and revitalize properties is completely understandable, sometimes this creates immense challenges for the workers.
Unit 1516 Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows has been closed for the past nine months for renovation. The 14 month temporary layoff affected over 300 workers.
“We’re hanging in there,” said Mauna Lani member Jeannie Silva at the Big Island Recognition Night back in February. “We can get help with unemployment, and the other avenues the union helps us with.”
As the maximum amount of time to collect unemployment (six months) reached its close for most members in April, the Hawaii Division ramped up their food drive efforts. They started collecting and distributing food baskets since the very beginning of the temporary layoff, asking for donations from sources such as the different Big Island pension clubs.
Economic unpredictability is a harsh reality. However, it is also a reality that the union will do whatever they can to help its members during difficult times.
Economic unpredictability is a harsh reality. However, it is also a reality that the union will do whatever they can to help its members during difficult times.
More donations piled high at the Hilo ILWU Hall. Photos courtesy of Business Agent Tristie Licoan.