Young Brothers, Ltd., union negotiating committee members: Standing (l-r): Michael Victorino, Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Dennis Morton, Elgin Calles, Dennis Saniatan Sr., Charlton “Kana” Wallace, Tyrone Tahara. Sitting (l-r): Drake Delaforce, Shawna Rapoza, Nate Lum, Jesse Andrade, Gary Talbert, Royale Komomua, and Robyn DeCambra.
HONOLULU—On December 4, 2015, longshore workers of Young Brothers, Ltd., Unit 4209 - Oahu and Unit 2201 - Molokai voted unanimously to ratify a tentative contract agreement reached on November 17, 2015.
Members at neighbor island ports began voting on the agreement earlier in the week of November 30 - December 4, 2015. With the Oahu vote, members of Young Brothers, Ltd., unanimously approved the new 5-year agreement that will expire on July 1, 2019. The contract covers over 200 members statewide.
The new contract brings improvements in both language and economic areas. The settlement package increases wages substantially over the life of the contract and increases the pension by over 20% for those retiring on or after July 1, 2017. The most important improvement was strong language incorporated into the contract which addresses newly agreed upon work rules, job safety protections, jurisdictional maintenance, and manning. Included was a “no lay-off or furlough” section for the life of the contract.
This contract also marks the end of part-time employment status in all the major ports. All part-time employees in the ports of Kauai, Hilo and Kawaihae were converted to full-time. Although the brothers and sisters in the ports of Lanai and Molokai will remain part-time, the committee was able to gain for them all the same holiday benefits that apply to full-time employees.
The committee was able to accomplish a historical achievement, one that will be reflected on in the future. Labor Day holidays at Young Brothers, Ltd., will be “no work” holidays—meaning that no work will be offered—so that the workers can spend the day with their families and reflect on the victories of the labor movement and the achievements of this negotiating committee.
Honolulu port members of Young Brothers, Ltd., listen carefully to a report on their tentative contract agreement before voting overwhelmingly to accept the settlement on December 4, 2015.
Longshore Division Director Nate Lum credited the hard-working negotiating committee, the Longshore Division Officers and more importantly, the solidarity of the workers on the docks in achieving the settlement. Lum said, “This committee just didn’t ‘rubber stamp’ the proposals. There were heated discussion and disagreements, but the committee came together based on what the majority voted on.”
Members of the negotiating committee were: Then Longshore Division Director/ Spokesperson Nate Lum, Unit 4209 - Honolulu Chair/Co-Spokesperson Jesse Andrade, Unit 4209 - Honolulu Secretary/ Negotiating Committee Secretary Shawna Rapoza, Longshore Division Secretary/ Treasurer Drake Delaforce, Longshore Division Trustee/Maui Chair Michael Victorino Jr., Unit 3201 - Kauai Chair Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Unit 4209 - Honolulu Treasurer Royale Komomua, Unit 4209 - Honolulu Gary Talbert, Unit 1201 - Hilo Chair Dennis Saniatan Sr., Unit 1201 - Kawaihae Chair Robyn De Cambra, Unit 2201- Molokai Chair Charlton “Kana” Wallace, Overall Unit 4201 Chair Elgin Calles, Business Agent Dennis Morton, and Business Agent Tyrone Tahara.
ILWU members and retirees joined hundreds of marchers in a parade to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s life
HONOLULU—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was observed for the first time thirty years ago. It’s part of a nationwide tradition celebrating his legacy. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs. More than 60 ILWU Local 142 members and officers, HOWU members, retirees, their family and friends joined other unions and community members in the annual celebration parade and rally on January 18, 2016.
The event started at Magic Island, traveled down Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue, and ended at Kapiolani Park. The parade was organized by the Hawaii Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition, and also featured a unity rally celebration with food, community booths and entertainment.
Dr. King spoke of the shared goals of the civil rights and labor movements. Minorities needs the organized strength of labor unions to gain dignity and equality. In his December 11, 1961 address to the fourth AFL-CIO national convention, King said, “Our needs are identical
with labor’s needs—decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children, and respect in the community. That is why Negroes support labor’s demands and fight laws which curb labor.”
King and the labor movement
The ILWU provided financial support and backed the boycott of the Montgomery Bus Company after Mrs. Rosa Park was arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the colored section to a white man, after the white section was filled.
Dr. King was formally made an honorary member of the ILWU Local 10 in September 1967 because of his efforts on behalf of working families and the labor movement.
In 1981, the 24th Biennial Convention of the ILWU passed a resolution calling for the ILWU to work for legislation that would make January 15—Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday—a national holiday.
King came to Memphis, Tennessee in support of 1,200 striking sanitation workers, members of AFSCME, Local 1173. The workers walked off their job when the city of Memphis refused to recognize the union. He led 5,000 marchers through the streets in sympathy with the striking workers, but the march broke into violence.
Determined to lead a successful nonviolent march, King returned to Memphis in early April, but he never got the chance. On the evening of April 4, 1968, at the age of 39, while standing on the balcony of his motel room, he was assassinated.
ILWU Local 142 members and Staff, retirees, their family and friends joined other unions and community members in the annual celebration parade through Waikiki with a message of social justice. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Americans are urged to spend the holiday in a day of service to their community.