At the start of this year, President Joe Biden entered the second year of his presidency. After running a campaign that emphasized his pro-labor leanings and solidarity for the working class, he has made consistent efforts on behalf of strengthening unions. When he took office in January 2021, the unemployment rate was 6.4% (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Near the end of his first year in December, it had dropped to 3.9%.

The classes are part of the ILWU’s regular education program that focuses on providing on-going education to rank and file leaders and union members. A democratic union like the ILWU requires an educated and informed membership and on-the-job union leaders who get the support and training they need to do the work of the union. Thus far, six classes have been held on Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu, attended by a total of 166 members. More classes will be scheduled later this year and throughout next year.

Reviewed by Gene Vrana, 
Director of Educational Services and Librarian

LIHUE—It was a beautiful Saturday for softball—especially for the Mauna Lani team from Hawaii Division, which defeated perennial champions Kauai Coffee and claimed first place in the 52nd ILWU State Fast Pitch Tournament.

HONOLULU—Oahu Division presented awards recognizing outstanding service by members and units at its Division Executive Board meeting on February 23, 2007.

Individual awards Unit Leader of the Year: Lance Kamada, 4406 - The Honolulu Advertiser; Honorable Mention Earl Totten, 4304 - Del Monte Fresh Produce, Inc

Outstanding Steward: Gaylen Teraoka, 4404 - Pepsi Bottling Group; Honorable Mention Jason Simon, 4406 - MidWeek/ Star-Bulletin.

HONOLULU—The 8th ILWU Labor Institute, a five-day long leadership training program for rank and file leaders, is scheduled for October 15-20, 2007, at the ILWU Hall in Honolulu. All delegates, including Oahu, will be housed at the Ala Moana Hotel across the street.

Top labor educators from the mainland and Hawaii have been recruited to teach workshops on the skills and practical knowledge needed by rank and file union activists.

HONOLULU—A ruling by the Hawaii Labor Relations Board orders Del Monte Fresh Produce (Hawaii) to pay additional severance and medical benefits to eligible former employees of Del Monte. The workers lost their jobs in January 2007 when the Floridabased company permanently closed pineapple operations on Oahu.

The Local Convention completed its work in September 2006 and adopted programs that will guide us for the next three years. It addresses the various areas that are important to our membership. I would like to cover one program area that needs to be strengthened.

HILO—Recognition Night has been a tradition of good food, fellowhsip and fun for the past 30 years with Hawaii Division. This year’s event on February 10, 2007 was no exception. With food prepared by Isaac Fiesta Jr.a nd his steadfast crew, music by Bonnie and Doug, and the hard work of the full-time officers and friends, Recognition Night 2007 was a success.

Edwina Byron Kaehulani Smythe, 67, of Kahului, died Feb. 13, 2007, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Edwina helped the ILWU organize many of the hotels on Maui, was deeply involved in union political action, and was a strong and effective union leader.