In the United States, an employee who does not have a union or any kind of agreement with their employer over job security, is considered an “at will” employee. This pretty much means all nonunion workers in private industry—or about 70 percent of U.S. workers—are at will.

An “at will” worker may be terminated by their employer at any time and for any or no reason. This means that a boss could wake up one morning and decide to fire the first employee he sees that day. As unfair as this may seem, it is perfectly legal under U.S. law.

The ILWU identified the 12 most important political issues which the union will focus on during the 2003 session of the Hawaii State Legislature. The issues deal with health care (1,2,9,10), workers rights and benefits (3,4,5,6,7), tax breaks for business (8), education (11), and working harbors (12).

This year, 2003, will be a busy year for ILWU democracy. There will be two major meetings (we call them conventions) where ILWU members will have the opportunity to set the policies and direction of their union.

Economic stimulus vs. tax cuts for the rich

Both major political parties “say” something needs to be done to shore up the economy. The details of these plans clearly outline who the parties serve.

Airlines are asking Congress to amend the federal law that governs airline labor relations to make it harder for unions to strike. The Air Transport Association, the industry’s largest lobbying group, is urging law-makers to revise the Railway Labor Act of 1926, the federal law that regulates the industry’s labor relations. Airlines, which have been struggling to regain profitability, say labor expenses are their biggest costs. If the ability to strike is limited by the federal government, it would

A full year ahead for ILWU members

Someone has to set up the voting booths and prepare the blank ballots. Someone has to make sure candidates follow the rules
to ensure a fair election. Someone has to monitor the polling place while the voting is being conducted. Someone has to count the ballots.

HONOLULU—Retired ILWU Oahu Division Director and long-time ILWU leader Jose Corpuz passed away on December 18, 2002. Jose retired from the ILWU in 1991, after 45 years of active involvement in the labor movement.

Remember! Celebrate! Act!

On January 20th, many of us will celebrate the Martin Luther King Day holiday. This is a holiday where we are encouraged to take action to promote the values and principles that Dr. Martin Luther King championed—racial equality, social justice, and nonviolent social change.

HONOLULU—Pineapple members on Oahu and Maui are preparing to return to the bargaining table in January 2003.