HONOLULU—Thanks to union political action, working families made big gains in this year’s legislative session. Four significant pieces of new legislation sought by the ILWU were passed by state lawmakers. The Hawaii RX (SB 2520) and RX Expansion Program (HB 2834) will make prescription drugs more affordable for retirees and union members. Health Insurance Regulation (HB 1761) should help control the rapidly increasing cost of medical insurance, which affects wages and benefits on the job.

ACT 76 (HB 2834, SD 2, CD 1) Reduce cost of Prescription Drugs.

This legislation will provide relief for consumers from the high cost of prescription drugs by establishing, within the Department of Human Services, a pharmaceutical discount program for all state residents under which the State obtains manufacturers’ rebates on drugs that are offered at discounted prices to program participants. The program would take effect July 1, 2004.

Provides Funds for Worker Training.

The Employment and Training Fund was set to expire at the end of 2002, but this bill makes the program permanent by assessing employers 0.01% of payroll which goes into the fund. It also requires employers who use these training programs to contribute 50% of the cost of the assistance in cash or in-kind contribution. 

Every two years, members of the ILWU State Pensioners Association gather for a conference to learn about issues and programs that benefit seniors, hear about the state of the union, reunite with old friends and make new ones.

Brothers and Sisters, I am honored to be here, addressing your 21st Biennial ILWU State Pensioners Conference. You and other ILWU retirees like yourselves really deserve most of the credit for building this great union and starting a peaceful revolution that transformed Hawaii into a modern, democratic society. 

nursing home care so many end up on Medicaid, which is also paid for with tax dollars. The Legislature this session failed to enact Care Plus, but did agree to establish an interim board of trustees to develop a recommendation for the next Legislature to implement a long-term care financing program. 

Saburo Fujisaki May 1920 - May 2002

HONOLULU—ILWU members and retirees across the state are mourning the loss of a man who truly dedicated his life to building the union and serving its membership.

47th Annual ILWU Men’s Fast-Pitch Softball champs “Sons of Kauai.”

Hawaii Division’s “Mauna Lani” team took home second place.

Republicans opposed programs benefiting workers

The 2002 Legislature passed a number of good bills that bring real and substantial benefit to working families. However, a look at the voting records on five issues supported by the ILWU reveals a big difference in how Republicans and Democrats in the State Legislature look at these worker friendly programs.

The five issues were: Health Insurance Regulation; Wage and Hour Protection; Worker Retention; the Employment Training Fund; and Prepaid Health Law.

HONOLULU—February and March were busy months for the Local 142’s longshore division, as union members began mobilizing for upcoming contract talks with their employers. Collective bargaining agreements covering ILWU longshore members expire on July 1, 2002, and negotiations are set to begin between the West Coast ILWU and the employer group, the Pacific Maritime Association, in May.