In today’s political discourse, the argument of “trickle-down economics” reigns within the Republican Party as a way to protect the top-bracket tax breaks of the richest Americans. The GOP has successfully argued for many years that this will then improve the standard of living for the working class. The idea is that jobs will be created, wages will be raised for the average worker and there will be an overall upturn in our economy. As it turns out, it’s not only a bad idea but also a tactic to broaden income inequality.

Believe it or not, most workers organize into unions because of bad working conditions and poor treatment by management and not for higher wages and benefits. When workers are organized into unions, they gain the power to change their working conditions and demand respect and fair treatment from management.

Your union contract is a written agreement with your employer. It defines your wages, benefits, conditions of employment, and rights on the job. It is enforceable through a grievance procedure and ultimately in a court of law.

Most union contracts are renegotiated every three years, although some contracts run for only one year and others run for as long as six years. How long the contract runs is up to you and your negotiating committee. The ILWU is a democratic union and members are involved in every step of the negotiation process.

If you cannot reach a unit officer or steward you can call your business agent at the ILWU Office on your island. Regular office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The thirty-fifth Convention of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will be held beginning June 4, 2012 to June 8, 2012 at Del Coronado, in San Diego, California. On the basis of the International’s records to date, Local 142 will be entitled to 145 votes.

The Hawaii Division held their annual Recognition Night festivities on February 11 at the beautifully decorated Union Hall. Members and retirees gathered for an evening of celebration and thanks. A thirty-five year tradition for the Big Island, the evening featured retirees, Local President Isaac Fiesta and Hawaii Division Director Richard Baker, both of whom are retiring this year.

On February 13, 2012, a group of 11 Japanese labor leaders arrived in Hawaii to show their support for the workers of Pacific Beach Hotel. The delegation comprised of leaders from the All Japan Dockworkers Union (Zenkowan), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the National Federation of Dockworkers’ Unions of Japan (Zenkoku-kowan) and Labor Now.

The tri-annual Convention will be held at the Hotel del Coronado at 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118 beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2012, and closing on or about Friday, June 8, 2012. The elected Convention delegates will vote to decide the International budget, proposed increases in per-capita rates, as well as policies and direction of the ILWU for the next three-year period.

This year, seven priority issues will guide the work of the ILWU during the 2012 Legislative Session. Some of our priorities have not changed from previous years. Issues like worker retention, supporting senior programs and protecting workers’ compensation still hold significance to the betterment of our lives.

Brothers and Sisters, 

This coming April, after 44 years as an ILWU member, 18 years as a business agent and this short time serving you as president, I will retire. I write to you a message of farewell, my fellow ILWU members, staff and officers.