Why do people get active in the union? Because they want to help others; because they aren’t afraid to challenge management and speak up for workers’ rights; but mostly because they want to make a difference for working people.
“I got active in the union because I want to make a difference” was the most common reason given by unit leaders, who attended a one-day education class held on Oahu on July 10, 2002. The class was on leadership skills, and was intended to provide these unit leaders with the training and knowledge to be more effective as union leaders.
Some of the class focused on the importance of union political action, because it is how working people can use their voting power to protect and promote their goals as workers. Most of the training on leadership was provided by Adrienne Valdez from the Center for Labor Education and Research, which is part of the University of Hawaii West Oahu. Reflective listening, motivating people by appealing to basic human needs, and how to deal with conflict were some of the leadership techniques covered by Adrienne. Participants also learned from the years of experience and knowledge each of them brought to the class.
The 28 rank and file leaders came from a wide variety of ILWU companies, which demonstrates the incredible diversity of the union’s membership. Reynaldo and Bart came from Pepsi Bottling which manufactures soft drinks. Dillon, Ruby, Dona, and Gordon came from retail stores Foodland and Sack ‘n Save. Dexter, James, and Bunny work at wholesale distributor Flemings Foods.
Lorin and Michael are unit leaders from the Honolulu Advertiser. Stanley and Liane came from Weyerhaeuser which manufactures cardboard boxes. George, Thomas, and Edwin came from Island Movers. Donny works at Honolulu Ford, and Lawrence services Toyotas at Servco Pacific.
The memorial parks were well represented with Abeleen from Diamond Head Memorial, Alan from Mililani Memorial, and Mataomaile from Hawaiian Memorial Parks. It’s a little known fact, but the ILWU has most of the memorial parks in Hawaii organized under union contracts. Hospital workers were represented by Janice from Kapiolani and Melita from Wahiawa Hospital. Gil was the only member from a tourism unit, the Honolulu Airport Hotel.
Oahu unit leaders attended a one-day leadership training class at the temporary ILWU Hall at 720 Kapiolani Boulevard on July 10. If you are interested in becoming a steward, or if you are a new steward and want more information and training, contact your Business Agent to find out about the ILWU education program.
ILWU education and training take place statewide
(Right) Union members can do a lot to build solidarity and make the union stronger by talking to new hires about how the union works and making them feel welcome. John Torres (l) from Paradise Beverages plays the part of a new member, while Akin Jones (r) of HC&S tries to get him involved in the union.
This class of Maui unit leaders are paying close attention as John and Akin (pictured above left) act out the roles of a new member and union steward. ILWU leadership classes, like this one on Maui on May 8, use role playing to give participants real-life practice and an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences.
(Left) Hawaii Division Business Agent Greg Gauthier gives advice to a group of unit leaders with their grievance problem. (L-r) Gauthier, Dom Barrios from Unit 1414 - Punaluu Bake Shop, Nick Lopes from Unit 1503 - Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Renee Salmon from Unit 1501 - Hawaii Naniloa Hotel, and Pat Salomon from Unit 1503 - Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Watch future issues of the VOICE for a report on the 6th ILWU Labor Institute, a week-long union education institute sponsored by Local 142 and attended by 100 ILWU members statewide.