We are in an unprecedented time and will experience some of our most challenging moments ahead.
It became clear that our economy was going to take a severe hit as COVID-19 spread around the globe and reached the U.S. and the shores of Hawaii.
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Wesley “Wes” Furtado, ILWU International Vice President, Hawaii. Wes started on the waterfront in 1978 as a second-generation longshoreman and member of ILWU Local 142. During his time on the waterfront, he became a shop steward, longshore unit officer, and longshore negotiating committee member.
43 years in a row and going strong! Hawaii Division held its first annual Recognition Awards Banquet all the way back in 1978. Though times have certainly changed since the ‘70s, several key things have remained the same: this is still a progressive rank-and-file union, and this union still makes it a point to acknowledge and honor the members who take initiative within their unit and make the union strong.
Division Director Elmer Gorospe started his speech to the over 150 guests in the crowd on February 8, 2020 at the Hilo Hall,
Outstanding Unit with 30-99 Members (General Trades): Transcontinental Corporation. L-R: Business Agent Jennifer Yadao, Business Agent Tristie Licoan, Jerome Kaaekuahiwi, Division Director Elmer Gorospe.
do at the ballot box will determine the future for many years. We have a choice to determine the future of prosperity or the future of a status quo.”
Unions encourage workers to stand up for their rights in the work place. Similarly, getting involved in political action is a way to speak up for our concerns in our larger democracy.
LIHUE — ILWU Local 142 would not be anywhere without the great leaders of its past...
Even if he would not have accepted the label of “great” while he was still alive, former Kauai Division Director Michael Machado was a great man. We are sad to share that Brother Mike passed away on February 27, 2020.
From Catalina Island to the Hawaiian Islands
Mike became such a part of the Kauai community, that many members did not know that he was not originally from Kauai, or any of the Hawaiian islands.
The 2020 Pensioners Conference that was scheduled to be from June 8-10, 2020 on Maui has been postponed. We will keep you updated, and in the meantime, please read this information to help stay safe during this time.
The Thirty-eighth Convention of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will be held June 14-18, 2021 in San Francisco, California via a virtual convention platform. Representation at the Convention and voting strength of the locals/affi liates will be determined in accordance with Article XI of the Constitution.
The following excerpts from Article XI of the ILWU International Constitution are reprinted here for reference.
SECTION 1. A Convention of the International shall be held every three (3) years beginning at 10 a.m. on the second Monday following Easter Sunday. However, the International Executive Board may authorize a different Convention location and starting date which shall be no earlier than March 1st nor later than June 30th of the year in which the Convention is to be held...
The tri-annual Convention will be held in San Francisco, California via a virtual convention platform beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 14, 2021, and closing on or about Friday, June 18, 2021. The elected Convention delegates will vote to decide the International budget, proposed increases in per-capita rates, as well as policies and direction of the ILWU for the next three-year period.