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Getting help and contacting your Union

If you want more information about your union or union contract; if you have a problem on the job; if you want to become more involved with your union, the first person you should talk to is your union steward or Unit officer.

Unit officers and stewards are elected by the members of your unit to help their fellow union members on the job. They serve as volunteers and receive no extra pay or special privileges. Their names should be posted on the union bulletin board.

Oahu Division and Hawaii Longshore Division endorse Kirk Caldwell for Mayor of Honolulu

A press conference was held on April 26, 2012 at the ILWU Local 142 headquarters, to announce the endorsement of Kirk Caldwell for Honolulu Mayor. Caldwell is endorsed by the ILWU and a majority of labor unions because of his commitment to the working families of Honolulu.

Voting is a choice. Choose wisely.—continued from page 1

Likely voters perhaps do have more time to get out and vote. It might be likelier for them to be able to step out of their workday to perform their civic duty. They have the luxury of perceiving voting as a duty, because their life enables them to.

Are You a New Member? Then this is for you!

Welcome to the ILWU!

Are you a new employee, hired within the last twelve months? If so, this issue of the Voice of the ILWU was prepared especially for you. As a union member, you are entitled to many rights and benefits and some responsibilities. This issue will help get you started with the essential information you need as a member of the ILWU. (Even longtime members may find the information useful.) First of all, the Voice of the ILWU is the official newspaper of the ILWU Local 142. You are receiving the newspaper because you are now a member of the ILWU.

Labor Unions Strengthen the Middle Class

In today’s political discourse, the argument of “trickle-down economics” reigns within the Republican Party as a way to protect the top-bracket tax breaks of the richest Americans. The GOP has successfully argued for many years that this will then improve the standard of living for the working class. The idea is that jobs will be created, wages will be raised for the average worker and there will be an overall upturn in our economy. As it turns out, it’s not only a bad idea but also a tactic to broaden income inequality.

Dignity and Respect in Unions

Believe it or not, most workers organize into unions because of bad working conditions and poor treatment by management and not for higher wages and benefits. When workers are organized into unions, they gain the power to change their working conditions and demand respect and fair treatment from management.

Your union contract—what is it?

Your union contract is a written agreement with your employer. It defines your wages, benefits, conditions of employment, and rights on the job. It is enforceable through a grievance procedure and ultimately in a court of law.

Most union contracts are renegotiated every three years, although some contracts run for only one year and others run for as long as six years. How long the contract runs is up to you and your negotiating committee. The ILWU is a democratic union and members are involved in every step of the negotiation process.

Contacting the Union

If you cannot reach a unit officer or steward you can call your business agent at the ILWU Office on your island. Regular office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ILWU representation secures $850,000 in severance for eligible Del Monte workers

More than six years after Del Monte shut down its pineapple plantation and packaging operations in Hawaii, 512 former employees are eligible for $850,000 in additional severance payments plus interest, a testament to the value of union representation.

Background 
In early 2006, Del Monte announced plans to close its operations in Kunia and leave Hawaii at the end of 2008. The workers were understandably devastated by the announcement, some having worked for Del Monte more than 30 years.

A Guide to the ILWU: What every member should know

Are You a New Member? 
Then this is for you!

Are you a new employee, hired within the last twelve months? If so, this issue of the Voice of the ILWU was prepared especially for you. As a union member, you are entitled to many rights and benefits and some responsibilities. This issue will help get you started with the essential information you need as a member of the ILWU. Even longtime members may find the information useful.

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