Local 142 is the one of 65 separate unions which make up the ILWU. These local unions are located in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii. Most of these locals were part of the ILWU since the 1930s and share the same principles of a democratic union run by the membership. Each local union could operate on its own, but has chosen to be part of the ILWU.

A third and very important benefit of union membership goes far beyond your job. You are now a member of a workers’ organization--dedicated to defend your interests as a worker and to promote the general welfare of you and your family.

This is spelled out in the ILWU Declaration of Principles:

A single worker is powerless to bargain with his employer for good wages and conditions. In the same way, a single voter can’t do much to influence the legislature.

Workers join unions so they can bargain as an organized group, and this pays off in better wages, working conditions, and job security. Likewise, unionized workers can organize their votes, which gives them the power to get laws passed that benefit workers and their families.

The 47th Annual Mixed Bowling Tournament was held at the Orleans Hotel, Casino & Bowling Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 25- 26, 2003. This year, the traveling group numbered 58, with 36 doubles and 35 individuals entered (there was no team event).

HONOLULU—Beginning in 2004, there will be a huge change in the elected leadership of Local 142. As the result of the union-wide elections held in November 2003, close to half or 13 of the 27 elected full-time offices of the union will be filled by a new person.

HONOLULU—Representatives from five Sack ’N Save stores met on December 16 and 17, 2003, to put together a state-wide package of proposals which will define the union’s bargaining position in contract talks with management next year. The current contract covering over 230 members expires in March 2004. Sack ’N Save is part of the Foodland Super Market Ltd. chain of grocery stores. The ILWU also represents workers at Foodland Stores.

• Act 87 was successfully repealed. For the Union, there was concern that Act 87 would interfere with the handling of certain grievances and even workers’ compensation cases. 

• The minimum wage to $5.75 effective January 1, 2002 and $6.25 effective January 1, 2004, with no increase in the tip credit, passed. 

• The notice period for the Hawaii Dislocated Workers Act was increased from 45 days to 60 days. 

The ILWU Local 142 faced a tremendous job in the 2002 elections. The Governor and Lt. Governor seats were being vacated, there were mayoral races on Kauai and Maui, all of the Senate seats were up for election, and the death of our good friend, Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink, resulted in two special elections.

Kaanapali, MAUI—The 50th annual ILWU Golf Tournament was played on Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31, 2004 at the Kaanapali Golf Courses, which are beautifully maintained by ILWU workers at Unit 2507. A total of 54 golfers spent two days enjoying the fine weather, good golf, and friendships of other ILWU members statewide and from the mainland U.S.

This year’s banquet was held at the Kanahele Room at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, where special entertainment included a dinner show by award-winning magician Jody Baran.