Candidate for Business Agent
Shane A. Ambrose
Aloha members! During this election there will be many changes, new opportunities, and new challenges. I, Shane A. Ambrose, have decided to take this opportunity to apply myself and meet the challenges the future brings, this is why
I humbly ask for your support for the office of Business Agent, Oahu Division.
I first started as a rank and file member in 1990 at Foodland Super Market. I served as a steward and unit officer since 1997, earning an award for unit leader of the year 1998. I also served on our negotiating committee in the 2000 negotiations, our toughest ever.
I have gained experience in the union working as a temporary Business Agent since 1998 representing workers in general trades, hotel, and pineapple. In the year 2000 I was elected to the Local Executive Board representing all Oahu units. I have also worked as the Oahu Division Clerk, assisting the Division Director and Business Agents in their daily work, filing
grievances, sending leaves, letters, and processing dues forms.
Finally, I’d like to part by saying that I appreciate the opportunities this union and its members have given me and with your support I can continue to serve. Mahalo.
Candidate for Business Agent
Brandon Bajo-Danie
Aloha, my name is Brandon Bajo-Daniel and I have served as a business agent for almost 4 years. I represent Air Liquide, Del Monte, Dole, HARC, Links at Kuilima, Mililani Town Association and the Simmons Mattress Company. I am also a cooordinator for the Union Sports.
In 1979 I joined the rank and file and became actively involved in 1984 as the union steward for Del Monte, and then as their Unit Chair up until my appointment as Business Agent. My other experiences have been as a nominated delegate for the Local and International Conventions, a member of the state PAC committee, Sec. and Chairman for the Pineapple Statewide Negotiating Committee and organizer for Dole Tropical.
My focus these past 4 years has been about “integrity of the workplace”; by representing the integrity of the rank and file and the value of their work, and by being the reminder to management about their practices. It is an honor to maintain your integrity by holding management accountable for their actions.
Although I have not yet served your unit I ask that you support me with your vote so that I may continue to be the voice for your brothers and sisters.
Candidate for Business Agent
Kenneth Ige
I believe the most important quality of a good Business Agent is character. I believe that I have the Ability, Belief and Commitment (ABC) needed as your next Business Agent to diligently work to protect the rights and benefits of the rank
and file.
My first exposure to the ILWU was in 1979, when I started working for Servco as an Auto Technician. As I look back, I got involved with the ILWU not knowing exactly what the union stood for or its principles. As a Business Agent, I believe it will be my goal to promote awareness to all, from the new to more senior members. Visibility is key.
As I continue to work for Servco, represent them as a unit chair and also in my current position as a union trustee, I recognize the importance of having a Business Agent who is trusted, committed and well-versed.
I ask for your support in my bid asyour Business Agent and remember...
Voting Ige is as easy as A, B, C.
Candidate for Business Agent
James K. Kahalewai Jr.
My name is James Kahalewai, and I have been an ILWU member for 15 years. For the past four years I have served as Business Agent. The units I serviced these past 3 years include Love’s Bakery, Brewer Environmental, Tugman Steel, Schuman Carriage, Valley of the Temple Park, Hawaiian Memorial Park, Pacific Machinery, Luana Hills Country Club, Ferro Union Hawaii, Ball Corporation, National Car Rental and Hawaii Job Corps.
I have been trained in contract negotiations and enforcement. So far, I have won all 6 cases that have gone to arbitration. I am also the Oahu Division Labor Community Service Coordinator. I became an ILWU member working as a forklift driver/ machine operator for Weyerhaeuser Company. I have served my unit as shop steward, Vice Chair, Unit Chair and on the negotiating committee.
My wife Bonny and I have been married for 17 years. We have two children, son James III who is 15 years old, and daughter Jamie who is 7 years old. As a family man, I understand the value of the ILWU. I would be honored to continue serving as a Business Agent for the ILWU’s Oahu Division. Mahalo.
Candidate for Business Agent
Michael S. Yamaguchi
FOR YOUR RIGHTS
I am currently employed at the Honolulu Advertiser. I have been fortunate to be blessed by my beautiful wife, my wonderful son and a good paying union job.
I first got involved with the Union because some of our members were too intimidated to speak out in fear of retaliation. I volunteered to serve as our Shop Steward to speak out for their rights.
I am very humbled that our members now ask me for advice and have elected me to serve as their Unit Secretary, Bulletin Editor, Negotiating Committee and Local Convention Delegate.
Being involved with the ILWU has given me the experience to serve in two contract negotiations, participate in two Local Conventions, attend steward training classes, and filing and settling numerous grievances.
With the upcoming retirement of
some of our top Officers, I believe it’s up to the new generation of union leadership to take us forward. I am seeking the office of Business Agent to help strengthen our Union because nobody should be intimidated to speak out.
On Election Day, I honor your support. But, win or lose, I give you my commitment that I will always be a champion for your rights.
Candidate for Business Agent
Gordon Young
I would like to thank all the members who supported me in the past and continue to support me. Because of members like you, who are devoted to working class principle and justice, the ILWU is well respected throughout the world.
The ILWU has been good to my family. My mother worked as a trimmer/packer at the Dole Cannery for over 20 years. The wages and benefits won by the Union enabled her to comfortably raise our family and give us a good education. I myself obtained a Master’s Degree.
I served as Business Agent in 1991-94, because I wanted to give back to others what the ILWU has provided to my family and me. But due to personal reasons I had to leave office. However, I continued to serve as an elected Unit Officer at the Honolulu Advertiser.
With the retirement of our Local President and Vice President, our Union will face new challenges. Employers are constantly trying to erode hard fought benefits won in previous contracts. I humbly ask for your support again in electing me to serve you as a Business Agent.
My commitment to you is, I will continue to work diligently to protect your rights.
For a list of Oahu Division candidates by race see page 10