Every two years, the Hotel Industry - ILWU Pension Plan sends a team to the Philippines to investigate, monitor, and review the situation of retired ILWU hotel workers who are receiving pension payment from the fund.

There are 60 people who retired from an ILWU hotel and returned to the Philippines to live.

WAILEA, Maui—On March 23, 2005 new ILWU members at Wailea Golf Resort voted unanimously to accept their first union contract.

Did you know it is possible to save money if you buy generic rather than brand name drugs? Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if a generic drug will work for your medical condition. Get the most for your money when you use your drug plan by choosing generic drugs.

Longshore members collected donations for the Hawaii Red Cross. From left to right: Red Cross disaster volunteer Caonnie McCurdy, Nate Lum, Brian Indreginal, Gordon Yamashiro, Bert Lane, and Red Cross CEO Coralie Chun Matayoshi carrying Red Cross mascot Scout.

During the 2004 Presidential election campaign, George W. Bush refused to speak truthfully about Social Security privatization. After his alleged victory over Senator John Kerry, he is moving quickly to destroy a Social Security system that has worked remarkably well since 1935.

carried out under the name and guiding principles of the Red Cross by three separate organizations that make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. (The Red Crescent is used instead of the Red Cross symbol in Islamic countries.) The three organizations are: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and the national Red Cross Societies.

HONOLULU—Gordon Young said it well—”I don’t like to get an award for doing something I love doing. You,” he said, speaking to the room full of ILWU members, “should all get awards for volunteering your time to help your fellow employees.”

This and similar sentiments were expressed again and again by the unit leaders and retirees who were honored by the ILWU’s Oahu Division in a special program at its Executive Board meeting on February 25, 2005.

HILO—The 2004 Hawaii Division awards were held at Hilo’s Harry Kamoku Hall on Saturday, February 26, 2005. Over 125 members filled the union hall by 6:00 p.m. in anticipation of an awards dinner that, according to Division Director Richard Baker Jr., “Gives the Division a chance to show its appreciation to all the members who participate in our programs and show leadership. Not everyone will get an award, but the dinner is an ‘aloha’ to every active member.”

If you are an ILWU member working at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Hyatt Regency Maui, or the Hyatt Regency Kauai and receiving your medical benefits from the ILWU Health and Welfare Trust Fund, then this information is for you.

You can get your prescriptions filled at the following participating pharmacies and pay only $7.00 for a 30-day supply of generic drugs, insulin, or diabetic supplies. Brand name drugs will cost you $14.00 for the same 30- day supply. A 15-day supply is $6.00 for generic and $12.00 for brand name.

Are you a new employee, hired within the last 12 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.)