Over 110 rank and file ILWU members spent five days in Honolulu last October 15 to 19, 2007, attending the union's intensive leadership training institute. They learned how to build a stronger union on the job and in the community.

Del Beazley and friends leads the singing of “We Shall Not Be Moved” during Friday's graduation. It was a moving finale of another very successful ILWU education program.

Robert Schwartz talked about how unions can legally use rats, bannering, and pickets to put pressure on employers. Some unions will call attention to an unfair employer by inflating a large rat balloon in front of the company. Another tactic is to have a couple of people hold a 100 foot long banner urging the public to boycott a bad employer

Labor Institute - from page 6

Diane Thomas-Holladay showed how labor and the religious community can work together because they share common goals for justice and fairness. Diane (far right) shows how the very rich got the most benefit from George Bush's tax cut. The wealthy got enough money to buy new cars while working people barely got enough to buy a plate lunch.

Takeshi Kouchi in 1959.

October 5, 2007 marked the 70th anniversary when ILWU longshore locals in Hawaii received their charters from the newly formed International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).

Solidarity and action by ILWU members in Hawaii helped score a Christmas-time victory for a group of exploited merchant mariners late last year. The crew of 20 from the small tanker, Japan Tuna #3, arrived at the islands after a lengthy voyage deep into the tropical Pacific where their ship provides fuel and supplies for a commercial tuna fishing fleet that remains at sea for months at a time.

ILWU union political action will focus on passing legislation in five areas during the 2009 Legislative Session. The top priority will be the passage of an Employee Free Choice Act for union recognition. This came close to passing in 2008 but failed to get enough support to override Governor Lingle’s veto.

Government regulation and oversight of the banking and investment industry could have prevented the economic crisis. Instead, Bush and the Republicans dismantled any effective regulation of the financial industry. They continue to believe less government and less regulation is good.

Most unionized workers have pension plans that are insured and guaranteed by the federal government, through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

ILWU longshoreman and union organizer Joe “Blurr” Kealalio, actor, singer, and trade union activist Paul Robeson, and Ah Quon in 1948.