1   Unions are the only organization in our society that stands up for the interest of working people. There are many different kinds of organizations in our community such as social clubs, sports leagues, churches, interest groups, and political parties. Unions are the only organization that advances the interest of working people.

Contract negotiations is a good example of ILWU democracy in action.

Unit members meet to propose changes to their union contract and elect members to their negotiating committee. The union negotiating committee should include members from different departments and job classifications. While committee members may come from different departments or jobs, they should work for a contract that is best for the entire membership.

Union members should think of negotiations as a continuing process that doesn’t end when a new contract is approved. Members need to read and understand their contract, so they know their rights. Unit officers and shop stewards must be alert to make sure management follows the terms of the contract and members get the full benefits they are entitled to receive.

Every ILWU member is advised to see a steward or unit officer first about problems or concerns on the job. As a member, you are advised never to try to settle your problems with management by yourself.

There are four reasons for this: 

1) the member will not have the strength of the union behind them; 

2) the member may make a deal with management that could hurt other members or even be a violation of the contract; 

3) the member is not trained to handle the grievance properly and may miss time limits and make other mistakes; and 

Most of the work of the ILWU takes place at the Division level, which is made up of all ILWU members on your island, or in the case of the Hawaii Longshore Division, all the members of the longshore industry. Maui Division includes members on the islands of Lanai and Molokai.

The Division Executive Board (DEB) meets monthly to advise the elected full-time officers of the Division (the division director and business agents). The Division Executive Board may also take up concerns from the units and plan Division activities such as Labor Day celebrations.

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 with 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.

(L-r) Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Glenn Wakai, ILWU Local 142 President Donna Domingo, and Senator Gilbert Kahele, chair of the Senate Tourism Committee.

HONOLULU—On April 15, 2014, the Hawaii State Senate confirmed the appointment of ILWU Local President Donna Domingo to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Board of Directors.

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.

1. Unions are the only organization in our society that stands up for the interest of working people. There are many different kinds of organizations in our community such as social clubs, sports leagues, churches, interest groups, and political parties. Unions are the only organizations that advance the interests of working people.

Contract negotiations is a good example of ILWU democracy in action.

Unit members meet to propose changes to their union contract and elect members to their negotiating committee. The union negotiating committee should include members from different departments and job classifications. While committee members may come from different departments or jobs, they should work for a contract that is best for the entire membership.