HONOLULU—Worker representatives from nine ILWU organized auto dealers met for two days at a state-wide caucus in Honolulu on May 29-30, 2003, to talk about common problems they face as workers in the auto industry and to propose changes to strengthen the language in their union contracts. They were also joined by the full-time business agents who service auto units.
The caucus was chaired by Richard Desmond, from Schuman Carriage, and secretary Kenneth Ige, from Servco Pacific.
Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines (PHTL) is scheduled to enter the West Coast-Hawaii shipping market in late 2004 with the Jean Anne, a brand-new, $70 million U.S. made ship, specifically designed to handle cars and trucks. The highly specialized cargo ship is called a “pure car and truck carrier” (PCTC) and the one being built for Pasha by VT Halter Marine Yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, will have the capacity to carry as many as 4,300 cars, buses or trucks. The 579 foot vessel will have 10 decks and a 100-ton stern ramp which will allow cars to be driven on and off the ship.
Local 142 Hawaii played an important and progressive role in setting the direction of the International ILWU for the future.
Millions of retirees are forced to choose between paying for food and paying for soaring costs of prescription drugs. This week, the Senate will be debating a bill that could make matters even worse for millions of retirees.
HONOLULU—Thanks to union political action, working families made big gains in this year’s legislative session. Four significant pieces of new legislation sought by the ILWU were passed by state lawmakers. The Hawaii RX (SB 2520) and RX Expansion Program (HB 2834) will make prescription drugs more affordable for retirees and union members. Health Insurance Regulation (HB 1761) should help control the rapidly increasing cost of medical insurance, which affects wages and benefits on the job.
This legislation will provide relief for consumers from the high cost of prescription drugs by establishing, within the Department of Human Services, a pharmaceutical discount program for all state residents under which the State obtains manufacturers’ rebates on drugs that are offered at discounted prices to program participants. The program would take effect July 1, 2004.
The Employment and Training Fund was set to expire at the end of 2002, but this bill makes the program permanent by assessing employers 0.01% of payroll which goes into the fund. It also requires employers who use these training programs to contribute 50% of the cost of the assistance in cash or in-kind contribution.
Every two years, members of the ILWU State Pensioners Association gather for a conference to learn about issues and programs that benefit seniors, hear about the state of the union, reunite with old friends and make new ones.
Brothers and Sisters, I am honored to be here, addressing your 21st Biennial ILWU State Pensioners Conference. You and other ILWU retirees like yourselves really deserve most of the credit for building this great union and starting a peaceful revolution that transformed Hawaii into a modern, democratic society.
nursing home care so many end up on Medicaid, which is also paid for with tax dollars. The Legislature this session failed to enact Care Plus, but did agree to establish an interim board of trustees to develop a recommendation for the next Legislature to implement a long-term care financing program.