Big Island - 1,500 union members attended the Labor Day event at the Waimea Community Center on the Big Island. There was bingo for the older folk.

The younger people could try their skill at rock climbing and the kids could fish for prizes. The event was sponsored by the Hawaii State AFL-CIO.

Maui - 2000 gathered at the Maui Community Center in Wailuku to get together with old friends, eat some ono food, and win some door prizes.

MC Mike Victorino (r) introduced union endorsed candidates Neil Abercrombie, Roz Baker, Mazie Hirono, Joe Souki, Kyle Yamashita, and Joe Bertram.

Kauai - frisbee tossing, golf putting, and balloon popping were new games at the Kauai pensioners picnic at the ILWU Hall in Lihue on August 9.

The smiling faces say it all. Kauai retirees know how to have a good time as they get together for their annual picnic.

Thousands of union members gathered at the Waikiki Shell to enjoy a day of fun and relaxation in honor of the working men and women of Hawaii. Fiji, Iao, the Royal Hawaiian Band, Melveen Leed, Touch of Gold, Kapena (left), Ten Feet, Beach Fire, and Andy Bumatai entertained the crowd at the Shell.

Union members who visited the ILWU booth helped themselves to hotdogs and showed their support for Pacific Beach Hotel workers by signing letters of support.

Working people have the power of an organized vote

Local 142 President Fred Galdones urged union members to use their votes to elect union endorsed candidates.

“The high cost of gasoline; the closing of Weyerhaeuser in Honolulu, ATA, Aloha Airlines, and Molokai Ranch. The layoff of 200 workers at Maui Pine.

“These events remind us that these are uncertain times. These closures and layoffs are the result of global economic forces, and we have little control or power to prevent this from happening.

“But there is one place where working people DO have the power and more control over what happens— and that is on-the-job when workers are organized into unions.

“Working people also have the power of our votes. Working people are the majority and we could win any election. But this can only happen when workers are organized and united in making their vote count.

“This is why unions have political action committees and why unions endorse candidates who run for public office. These candidates have proven records in support of working people.

“When you vote for your union’s recommendations, your vote is organized and gains the collective power of thousands of other union members.

“This is how you make your vote count for working people.”