A press conference was held on April 26, 2012 at the ILWU Local 142 headquarters, to announce the endorsement of Kirk Caldwell for Honolulu Mayor. Caldwell is endorsed by the ILWU and a majority of labor unions because of his commitment to the working families of Honolulu.
Voting is a choice.
The Honolulu Civil Beat conducted a poll, in April, asking likely voters and registered voters who have not voted historically how they view the act of voting. “Is Voting a Duty or a Choice?” Likely voters feel that it is a duty. Non-voters perceive it as a choice. Likely voters find the time to vote. Non-voters say time is problematic for them.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME ACTIVE MEMBERS OF INTERNATIONAL LONGSHORE AND WAREHOUSE UNION, LOCAL 142, AFL-CIO, AND YOUR RIGHTS UNDER LAW
As a result of your current employment, you are eligible for membership in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142, AFL-CIO. Union membership is a right and privilege to be proud of.
As an active member of ILWU Local 142 you have the right to participate in the affairs of the Union.
Your participation includes involvement in the formulation of proposals for contract negotiations, voting on proposed changes to your collective bargaining agreement, attending and participating in regular and special Union meetings, Union elections, and other affairs of the Union as provided in the ILWU Local 142 Constitution and Bylaws.
We believe that most people would want to become active members of the ILWU Local 142, and desire to fully participate in the affairs of their Union. Strong, active and informed members are essential to the strength of your Union. Your participation will benefit both you and your co-workers by helping the Union gain improved wages, benefits and working conditions.
The right, by law, to belong to the Union and to participate in its affairs is a very important right. Currently, by law, you also have the right to refrain from becoming an active member of the Union and you may elect to satisfy the requirements of a contractual union security provision by paying monthly dues and fees to the Union which reflect the representational expenditures of the ILWU Local 142. Please be advised: That 3% of funds were spent in our most recent accounting year (2011) for nonrepresentational activities (such as political activities, lobbying of issues not reasonably related to accomplish the union’s representational duties); that nonmembers can object to having their union security payments spent on such activities; that those who object will be charged only for representational activities; and that if a nonmember objects, the Union will provide detailed information concerning the breakdown between representational and nonrepresentational expenditures. Any objections by a nonmember shall be filed within 30 days and sent to ILWU Local 142 at 451 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.
Please be advised that nonmember status constitutes a full waiver of the rights and benefits of ILWU Local 142 membership. More specifically, this means you would not be allowed to vote on contract modifications or new contracts; would be ineligible to hold Union office or participate in Union elections; and all other rights, privileges and benefits established for and provided for ILWU Local 142 members by its Constitution and Bylaws.
We are confident that after considering your options, you will conclude that the right to participate in the decision making process of your Union is of vital importance to you, your family, and your co-workers, and you will complete and transmit your application for membership in ILWU Local 142. Thank you.