The ILWU Local 142 is here for you
We are in an unprecedented time and will experience some of our most challenging moments ahead.
It became clear that our economy was going to take a severe hit as COVID-19 spread around the globe and reached the U.S. and the shores of Hawaii.
New guidelines were rapidly put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders by state and county governments, and quarantines applied to all passengers arriving into Hawaii. Record-high tourism quickly plummeted to record lows. Hotels and other businesses across the state closed their doors and ILWU members were temporarily laid off. Over 80,000 Hawaii workers filed for unemployment insurance benefits in March.
Life has been challenging and uncertain, but we will prevail through solidarity. The ILWU belief that “an injury to one is an injury to all” will guide us through this crisis. Our members on the docks continue to keep Hawaii’s lifeline running and operational, and our members in the hospitals are working day and night to save lives. Our members in grocery stores ensure our state continues to eat, and our warehouse members and delivery drivers keep the supplies moving. Our agricultural workers are still growing food. We are one union working to keep Hawaii operational and healthy, and I thank you for that.
ILWU officers and staff have been working tirelessly to negotiate hazard pay, additional safety equipment, and a safer work environment. Your health and safety are our top priorities. We have negotiated with hotels that participate in the ILWU Hotel Health & Welfare plan to extend medical coverage for laid-off hotel workers. We are asking for the suspension of “no-fault” sick leave policies so members can stay at home and recover
Your union will continue to work with Hawaii’s congressional delegation, the State Department of Labor, and employers so that ILWU members and their communities have access to essential resources. Most important, stay safe. Remember to practice social distancing, observe proper hygiene at work and home, and stay at home if you’re sick.
Although we don’t know how long this crisis will last, the union’s goal is to make your life less stressful when possible. Local 142 union halls remain open for members, and officers and staff are available to provide the assistance you need. Always call to make an appointment before coming to the office so that we can protect your safety and make sure you don’t have a long wait before speaking with someone. Contact your Business Agent any time if you see problems at work or need help—on or off the job. The ILWU Local 142 is here for
you.
“My workplace closed down. What do I do next?” —continued from page 1
your BA or the Division nearest you, and your BA or Division Clerk will walk you through the form.
Mortgage and rent issues
• Address mortgage and rent concerns now. Contact your bank or credit union immediately regarding mortgage assistance. If you rent, call your landlord to let them know if you cannot pay your rent.
• The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress and signed by the President on March 27, 2020, provides some relief to homeowners with government guaranteed mortgages. If you have a home loan through the Federal Housing Administration, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 184a, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and are unable to pay your mortgage, you are eligible to postpone your payments for up to one year.
You must submit a request to your mortgage servicer stating that you are suffering a hardship directly or indirectly related to the coronavirus. The mortgage suspension—commonly called “forbearance”—will be granted for 180 days. If you need an extension of another 180 days, you must request it.
This is not a forgiveness program. Be aware that the amount that isn’t paid will be due at the end of the forbearance period.
• Landlords who own properties with federally-guaranteed loans or who are participating in federal housing programs are prohibited from evicting or charging fees for unpaid rent starting March 27 and for the next 120 days.
For help from a trained housing counselor, call (800) 569-4287 or visit www.consumerfinance.gov/find-ahousing-counselor/.
Check the status of your medical coverage
The ILWU has already negotiated extended medical coverage for many of the larger hotels that have been shut down. If you have been laid off, contact your BA first to check the status of your medical coverage.
If you have lost your medical plan, review the following options:
• Check to see if you can enroll in your spouse’s medical plan.
• If you are 65 or older and have made Medicare contributions for over 10 years, you qualify for coverage under Medicare. Make sure that you do not have coverage from your employer before applying for Medicare.
• It may be difficult for members to qualify for the State Med-QUEST program, which provides free comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage only if you meet the eligibility requirements s. However, income limits are not as strict for pregnant women and children under 19 Visit www.med-quest.us to see if you or your children qualify and to apply.
• Apply for an individual plan under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) at healthcare.gov. Again, make sure that you no longer have employer coverage first before applying.
• You may qualify for COBRA continuation coverage. COBRA is a federal law that requires certain companies to offer continued medical coverage to qualified workers—but the worker is responsible to pay for the full monthly premium plus two percent in administrative fees. Continuing medical coverage under COBRA is often very expensive.
Manage your finances
Stay on top of your finances. If you have loans that you cannot pay, contact the lender immediately to ask if it has a relief program that will allow you to temporarily suspend or reduce loan payments. All four of Hawaii’s largest banks have COVID-19 assistance information on their websites—and other smaller banks and credit unions are likely to include this type of information, too.
Taking care of your family
If you need help with food, shelter, child or elder care—and more—call 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state. 2-1-1 is the Aloha United Way’s statewide community assistance referral service. The helpline is confidential and can match you up with the government or nonprofit program you need. You can also call your BA any time if you can’t find the services you need.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
The federal government passed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package on Friday, March 27, that provides help to both workers and businesses.
It includes a one-time cash payment to Americans who earn $75,000 or less. The payment of $1,200 per individual (and $1,200 each for spouses who earn a combined $150,000 or less) also includes $500 for each child in the household. Those with incomes above $75,000 will receive a reduced amount, and individuals who earn $99,000 or more will not receive anything.
Income will be calculated by the information provided on your tax returns. The IRS will use your 2019 tax return. If you have not filed it yet, your 2018 tax data will be used.
As of last week, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin estimated that payments would be distributed in about three weeks.
The Act also expands eligibility for unemployment insurance and adds $600 more per week to unemployment benefit amounts set by the states. Benefits are available for up to a total of 39 weeks.
Do your part by staying home
State of Hawaii Governor David Ige issued a supplementary proclamation effective March 26, 2020 that mandated “stay at home or in residence” rules statewide to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Unless exempted, “all persons within the State of Hawaii are ordered to stay at home or in their place of residence . . . persons may leave their home or place of residence only for essential activities or to engage in the essential businesses and operations identified [within the proclamation].”
Hawaii’s stay at home order will remain in place until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020 and may be extended.
On Sunday, March 29, 2020 the federal government announced the extension of its “15 Days to Slow the Spread” guidelines until April 30. This is a turnabout by President Donald Trump, who during the previous week expressed a desire to “have the country opened up” by Easter.