The people we elect into office make decisions that directly affect our lives.

Politics made a difference for ILWU members at Pacific Beach Hotel.

In 2008, Americans elected Democrat Barack Obama as President. As a result, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)—whose members are presidential appointees—had more members who supported working people. (Under the previous Republican administration, the majority of NLRB members supported business interests.)

When Pacific Beach workers brought a case against the hotel’s owner and management to the NLRB, they received a strongly favorable decision. The decision lead to the hotel hiring a fair management company that immediately negotiated in good faith with the workers.

This is just one example of how the people we elect into office have a direct impact on our lives—even if the office seems as remote as the U.S. presidency.

Elected officials appoint judges, make laws, pass ordinances, and decide on whether to fund government programs. They decide our tax rates, and how much military spending occurs, and can even shut down the government—as rightwing U.S. House members did in 2013 by refusing to agree on a budget in order to obstruct passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

ILWU members should vote 
• Voting is something that union members can do to improve their family, work, and community life. 
• Voting is the great equalizer—when we are in the voting booth we are equal to the boss, and our vote carries as much weight as the U.S. President’s. 
• Voting means we stay in the “game” and have some influence on its outcome. 
• Voting as a block gives working people power to make their voices heard, especially when they vote for unionendorsed candidates.

ILWU 142 urges members—do your part to elect ILWU-endorsed candidates on Nov. 8!

See recommendations on Charter Amendments, page 7

First Congressional District election:

Vote twice for Colleen Hanabusa

ILWU members who live in urban Oahu and who normally vote in the First Congressional District race should vote twice for the same candidate—Colleen Hanabusa.

Is that legal?

Yes, it is—because there are actually two elections on the ballot for this race.

The first election is a “Special Election” to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term of Congressman Mark Takai, who was a great friend of the ILWU and sadly passed away on July 20 of this year.

The second election is for the two-year First Congressional District term beginning on January 3, 2017.

Why is it important to vote twice? Can’t we just elect Colleen for the two-year term starting in 2017?

Important decisions could be made during the short, unexpired term.

Although it looks more and more unlikely, there was a possibility that the administration might attempt to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)—a trade deal that would help corporate interests and hurt working families—in the last months of 2016.

By electing Colleen for both terms, we can be certain that Hawaii’s entire congressional delegation is supporting working people.

In addition, congressional seniority is a tradition that may determine the assignment of committees and chairmanships, so voting Colleen into office for the unexpired term gives her a head start in earning seniority.