1   Unions are the only organization in our society that stands up for the interest of working people. There are many different kinds of organizations in our community such as social clubs, sports leagues, churches, interest groups, and political parties. Unions are the only organization that advances the interest of working people.

Contract negotiations is a good example of ILWU democracy in action.

Unit members meet to propose changes to their union contract and elect members to their negotiating committee. The union negotiating committee should include members from different departments and job classifications. While committee members may come from different departments or jobs, they should work for a contract that is best for the entire membership.

Union members should think of negotiations as a continuing process that doesn’t end when a new contract is approved. Members need to read and understand their contract, so they know their rights. Unit officers and shop stewards must be alert to make sure management follows the terms of the contract and members get the full benefits they are entitled to receive.

Every ILWU member is advised to see a steward or unit officer first about problems or concerns on the job. As a member, you are advised never to try to settle your problems with management by yourself.

There are four reasons for this: 

1) the member will not have the strength of the union behind them; 

2) the member may make a deal with management that could hurt other members or even be a violation of the contract; 

3) the member is not trained to handle the grievance properly and may miss time limits and make other mistakes; and 

Most of the work of the ILWU takes place at the Division level, which is made up of all ILWU members on your island, or in the case of the Hawaii Longshore Division, all the members of the longshore industry. Maui Division includes members on the islands of Lanai and Molokai.

The Division Executive Board (DEB) meets monthly to advise the elected full-time officers of the Division (the division director and business agents). The Division Executive Board may also take up concerns from the units and plan Division activities such as Labor Day celebrations.

If you want more information about your union or union contract; if you have a problem on the job; if you want to become more involved with your union, the first person you should talk with is your union steward or Unit officer.

Unit officers and stewards are elected by the members of your unit to help their fellow union members on the job.

They serve as volunteers and receive no extra pay or special privileges. Their names should be posted on the union bulletin board.

There are three stories in this issue of the VOICE where awards and honors are given to individual union members and the union organization at their work places (we call them units in the ILWU). On page seven there are stories where Kauai and Maui Divisions recognized their outstanding unit leaders and units. On page eight is a story on how Hawaii Division has been honoring their units and unit leaders at a Recognition Banquet which is now in its 36th year. Oahu Division also honors their unit leaders, but this function was put on hold this year.

If you want more information about your union or union contract; if you have a problem on the job; if you want to become more involved with your union, the first person you should talk to is your union steward or unit officer.

Unit officers and stewards are elected by the members of your unit to help their fellow union members on the job. They serve as volunteers and receive no extra pay or special treatment.

If you don’t know who your officers or stewards are, ask your fellow workers. Some units will post the names of the officers and stewards on the union bulletin board.

Hawaii Division has two offices where a clerk will answer your call from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday (closed on holidays). Leave a message if you get the answering machine during their lunch break.

Hilo Office
Ann Chong works out of the Hilo Office. You can usually reach Elmer Gorospe, Delbert DeRego, and George Martin at the Hilo Office.

Honokaa Office 
Sui Sin Poy Coloma works out of the Honokaa Office. You can usually reach Gregory Gauthier in Honokaa.

The main office in Maui Division is in Wailuku at 896 Lower Main street. The ILWU also has an office in Lahaina, Phone: (808) 667- 7155; 840 Wainee St. Unit H4 & H5 and on Lanai. These offices are open as needed for meetings and other activities.

Maui is the largest Division in the ILWU with close to 9,000 members. Maui Division includes Molokai and Lanai which requires travel among the islands to service members. Maui is also the only division which still has a sugar company. Most of Maui’s members work in the tourism industry.