ILWU International Vice President (Hawaii) Wesley Furtado passed away on March 15, 2020 at the age of 64. Wes rose from humble beginnings as a secondgeneration longshore in a working class family who became a widely respected leader within the ILWU and the labor movement for his fierce commitment to unions, devotion to social justice and considerable organizing and negotiating skills.

President, I remember having a meeting with the Titled Officers to go over roles and responsibilities. Wes was by far the best organizer I have ever seen. For me to tell him how to do his job would be crazy. He knew everything better than anyone out there.” Big Bob concluded, “With Wes’ passing, the ILWU lost a great labor leader. And for me, I lost a great friend.”

Hawaii has moved to an all-mail voting system. With this change, the traditional voting locations at schools and community centers will no longer exist. If you are a registered voter, you will automatically receive a ballot in the mail starting July 21. When mailing back your completed ballot, please keep in mind that ballots must be received by 7 pm on August 8, so do not wait until the last minute to mail them.

Best Practices for ILWU members

How can ILWU members deal with the pressing health, work, and financial concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic? First, get accurate information from reliable sources. Then follow the practices recommended by public health officials to keep yourself, family members, your workplace, and community as safe as possible. Most importantly, stay in contact with the ILWU. Your union is working hard in your best interests and helping to protect your community

The ILWU Local 142 is here for you

We are in an unprecedented time and will experience some of our most challenging moments ahead.

It became clear that our economy was going to take a severe hit as COVID-19 spread around the globe and reached the U.S. and the shores of Hawaii.

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Wesley “Wes” Furtado, ILWU International Vice President, Hawaii. Wes started on the waterfront in 1978 as a second-generation longshoreman and member of ILWU Local 142. During his time on the waterfront, he became a shop steward, longshore unit officer, and longshore negotiating committee member.

43 years in a row and going strong! Hawaii Division held its first annual Recognition Awards Banquet all the way back in 1978. Though times have certainly changed since the ‘70s, several key things have remained the same: this is still a progressive rank-and-file union, and this union still makes it a point to acknowledge and honor the members who take initiative within their unit and make the union strong.

Division Director Elmer Gorospe started his speech to the over 150 guests in the crowd on February 8, 2020 at the Hilo Hall,

Outstanding Unit with 30-99 Members (General Trades): Transcontinental Corporation. L-R: Business Agent Jennifer Yadao, Business Agent Tristie Licoan, Jerome Kaaekuahiwi, Division Director Elmer Gorospe.

do at the ballot box will determine the future for many years. We have a choice to determine the future of prosperity or the future of a status quo.”

Unions encourage workers to stand up for their rights in the work place. Similarly, getting involved in political action is a way to speak up for our concerns in our larger democracy.