International Secretary-Treasurer
Willie Adams, Local 23
Brothers and Sisters of the ILWU:
With great honor and humility I’m seeking my third term as International Secretary-Treasurer of this great union. I’m looking forward to talking with and seeing our membership as I hit the campaign trail, and calling upon all ILWU members that we must recapture our spirit of endurance and optimism. It is the struggle that shapes us, and it is the struggle we must shape. I’m very clear that my work is still not complete, and the fire still burns in my guts and the passion in my soul.
My varied ILWU experience includes Longshore Caucus delegate for 10 years; four times convention delegate (2000, 2003, 2006, 2009); Chairman of the Coast Jurisdiction Committee; member of the Coast Legislative Action Committee with 10 years of service in Washington D.C.; member of the International Executive Board and IEB trustee; and for the last six years, I’ve served as your International Secretary-Treasurer.
On the world stage on behalf of the ILWU I have traveled to Australia, Brazil, Holland, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, Vietnam, Singapore and Cuba. I have rolled up my sleeves, and have worked with all divisions of our union. I have worked without rest pounding the pavement in Washington D.C. to continue to build relationships with key players in both parties to raise the profile of the ILWU and to give our union more clout. I have devoted my time and energy to education programs, knowing we are nurturing our next generation of leaders who will take us even further. I also feel that we must do all within our might to raise the bar in organizing because the ILWU and labor movement must survive and grow; there is no other option.
Many of our members are hurting today. We’re experiencing job losses, layoffs, and less work at the ports, so all of us are in some kind of pain. The economic recession is giving us a wakeup call. It’s clear that as members of the ILWU, we need to reach beyond the anxiety and the depression of the last eight years and get back to our strengths. We must be adept at finding opportunity in adversity. The threats to our very existence, and consequently, that of our families, are the driving force behind us rebuilding our union to make it even stronger. And today, Brothers, Sisters, the present stands side by side with history; 75 years later we’re still here.
International Executive Board
Sugar - Aurora Raposas
No statement submitted
International Executive Board
Pineapple - Douglas Cabading
My name is Douglas Cabading (Doug known to many).
I am a contender for the IEB seat for Pineapple. I am interested in this seat to voice and support the pineapple and all other industries. I have concerns of the well being of our members.
I have experience in leadership:
Membership Service Chairman for Unit 2306, Unit 2306 1st Vice Chairman, Unit 2306 Chairman , Maui Division Assistant Sports coordinator, sits on pineapple industry negotiations, Maul division Trustee (current), sits on the Local Executive board, Delegate to the Local Convention and Delegate for the pineapple industry at the International Conventions, also was part of the constitution committee for both conventions.
International Executive Board
Longshore - Samuel Kaaihue
I have been a Longshoreman at the Port of Kahului on the Island of Maui for nearly twenty nine years.
Within the past few years I have served as a unit delegate and chairman for Unit 2201, Maul Longshore Division. During that time I have attended the 2006 and 2009 ILWU International Convention.
With my extensive knowledge and years of hard work and dedication, it would be an honor and privilege to be elected as an International Executive Board Member, to represent all Longshore workers in the State of Hawaii, and all my brothers and sisters of the ILWU.
Aloha and Mahalo!
International Executive Board General
Trades - Francis Kamakaokalani
No statement submitted
International Executive Board
Pineapple - Harold Gouveia
Aloha fellow union members. My name is Harold Gouveia and I would like to be your next International Executive Board Member Representing Hawaii’s Pineapple Seat. I am currently the chairman of Local 142/Unit 2307 – pineapple industry. I have been a union member in good standing for the past 31 years. I have previously served as a union steward, union vice chairman and represented the union membership on various safety committees. The welfare of our members is always my utmost priority. My energy and vision is for pineapple to stay in the United States as long as possible while maintaining fair treatment, pay and benefits for our members. I am not afraid to fight for you, your rights and your benefits as union members. I have been and will continue to be a strong, conscientious, vocal and attentive supporter of ALL members of Local 142 and ask for your vote to represent you. The Union is here for your protection and to keep a balance of fairness for our rank and file. I want to be a part of the decision making board that takes care of you…..our members. I live on the island of Maui and am a third generation employee of the pineapple industry. Now more than ever, it is important to be aware of what is happening in our economy and our country as a whole and to make decisions that will benefit our union members. Again, my name is Harold Gouveia and I would like your vote for the position of International Executive Board Member – Hawaii – Pineapple Seat.
International Executive Board
Tourism - Cyrus Kodani
No statement submitted