STATEWIDE — The past months had people buzzing about the latest Avengers movie. But here at Local 142, we have been building our own army. The Local has been holding New Steward Training classes regularly since February.

As of this writing, 87 members throughout the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu have gone through this intensive day-long training.

Stewards volunteer their own time to learn about their union contract and be the bridge that connects union help with a worker’s grievance.

In a time where unions are under attack by Trump’s Republican regime, we applaud these leaders who step up to the plate as stewards -- saying, “Yes, I represent the union. Yes, I can make a difference.”

“I stepped up to be a steward because I am one of the youngest ones in the workplace,” said Kawika Noa-Nakamoto of Unit 4405 Sac N Save (Oahu). “I look forward to getting older and being known as someone who is there to help.”

“I’ve been working a long time; I can retire already. But I don’t want to until I see how much of a difference I can make here. Better late than never,” said Vicente Baldos from Unit 2408 Foodland (Maui).

No matter what age, the common thread among many of the stewards is their desire to help and make a positive difference.

This kind of leadership in the current political climate is not only brave -- it is heroic. If you feel you want to learn more about the union and what kind of difference you can 1 2 3 4 make, call your Division and ask when its next steward class will be.