HONOLULU — one vote cannot do much to influence the legislature, but the ILWU knows that there is strength in numbers and sticking together. Every legislator received a copy of the ILWU’s legislative priorities for 2019 before large delegations from all divisions descended on the State Capitol for Opening Day (the first day the Legislature convenes) on January 16, 2019.
The different groups visited legislators from their districts not to lobby, but to serve as a strong reminder that unionized workers have concerns that matter and are willing to show up and vote for those who support the concerns of workers and their families.
ILWU union political action will focus on passing legislation in five main areas during the 2019 Legislative Session:
- Share Economy: The tourism industry is impacted by “the share economy” or the online sharing of goods and services. In particular, the Local is focusing on bills relating to transient accommodation units and transportation network companies.
- Harbors: Continued support for harbor development and monitoring of bills related to cargo inspections.
- Workers’ Compensation: Defend the Workers’ Compensation program which protects injured workers.
- Minimum wage: Support for minimum wage increase to $15/ hour.
- Senior Programs: The Local continues to advocate for initiatives that provide support for senior citizen programs.
Longshore Division delegation with Representative Sylvia Luke. Front L-R: Mike Victorino Unit 2201 Young Brothers, Bula Amaral, Mike Kapeliela Unit 1201 Big Island Stevedores, Peter Morishige Unit 3201 Young Brothers Kauai. Back L-R: Jesse Andrade Unit 4209 Young Brothers Oahu, Chris West Unit 4201 Hawaii Stevedores Inc., Rep. Luke, Sam Kaaihue Unit 2201 Kahului Stevedores.
Maui Division delegation with Senator Kalani English. Front L-R: Maui Division Director Roberto Andrion, Jeofrey Baltero Unit , Digno Castillo Unit , Irenia Tanicala, Violeta Natividad, Conchita DeCambra, Lourdes Rivera Unit , Sally Abut Unit , BA Joe Aquino
Hawaii Division with Governor David Ige. Front L-R: Local Vice President Corinna Nguyen, Patricia Dunn, Lenor Corpuz, Gov. Ige, Genesis Gacayan Unit 1426 North Hawaii Community Hospital, Business Agent Tristie Licoan. Second Row L-R: Hawaii Division Director Elmer Gorospe, Noelani Rasmussen Unit 1515 Fairmont Orchid, Lloyd Matsubara Unit 1517 Hilton Waikoloa Village, Clyde Kihara Unit 1419 A&B Fleet Services. Third Row L-R: BA Michael Dela Cruz, Tina Lukzen, BA Roselyn Molina, BA George Martin.
Kauai Division delegation with Representative Dee Morikawa. Front L-R: Valerie Winchester Unit 3410 Wilcox Memorial Hospital, BA Chad Pacheco. Second Row L-R: Jesus Guirao, BA Calvin Corpuz, Kauai Division Director Pamela Green, Rep. Morikawa, Cecilia Lazaro, Ernie Domingo.
Oahu Division delegation with Senator Jarrett Keohokalole. Front L-R: Arthur “Kapahi” Puaa Unit 4526 Alohilani Resort at Waikiki Beach, Dona Hamabata Unit 4405 Foodland, Kapena Kanaiaupuni Unit 4526, Rep. Keohokalole, Anabel Cardenas Unit 4405 Foodland, Sena Tupua Unit 4526.
