WAILUKU—Wage increases and reductions in medical insurance premium co-payments are the highlights of a new three year agreement for Valley Isle Motors, according to union spokesperson Maui Division Director Stephen Castro. The agreement will run from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017.

Pay hikes amount to a 10% increase over the duration of the contract. The union committee also achieved a reduction in the members’ medical insurance premium co-payment. The ratification was held June 27, 2014, and the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was approved overwhelmingly.

About 150 Kauai pensioners enjoyed their annual picnic on July 19—not at the beach or in the park, but at their union hall! They sat with their clubs—Lihue, Kekaha, McBryde, Gay & Robinson, and Golden Years—and enjoyed fun games, prizes, speeches, food, and a chance to talk story with old and new friends.

Pepito Ragasa passed away on April 9, 2014 at the age of 90. He was a long-time member of the ILWU, a Business Agent for ten years, and was heavily involved in the Union and his community. Pepito is survived by his wife Alice; son Guy; brother Dado Rola, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. William Kennison, retired Maui Division Director, gave the following eulogy at Pepito’s service

The officers and rank-and-file members of the ILWU Political Action Committee (PAC) endorse candidates only after a thorough vetting process. The committee interviews candidates and reviews their positions on issues that are important to workers. If candidates have previously held public office, the PAC discusses their overall performance in office. The PAC takes the time and effort to go through this process so that ILWU members know which candidates will best serve the working people in our community.

(L-r) Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Glenn Wakai, ILWU Local 142 President Donna Domingo, and Senator Gilbert Kahele, chair of the Senate Tourism Committee.

HONOLULU—On April 15, 2014, the Hawaii State Senate confirmed the appointment of ILWU Local President Donna Domingo to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Board of Directors.

Are you a new employee, hired within the last twelve months? ? If so, this issue of the VOICE of the ILWU was prepared especially for you. As a union member, you are entitled to many rights and benefits and some responsibilities. This issue will help get you started with the essential information you need as a member of the ILWU. Even longtime members may find the information useful.

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 organizations that advance the interests 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.

How can YOU support your union?

Union members can do their part in supporting their union. Specifically each member should:

1. Know the terms of the contract so that they can recognize violations by the employer and help other workers learn about the contract. 

2. Call all violations of the contract to the attention of their union steward or business agent. 

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.