Your union dues are the only source of income the ILWU has. There is no initiation fee.

Every member of the ILWU pays the same percentage of gross earnings—2%—or $2.00 for every one hundred dollars you earn.

You don’t pay dues when you are on sick leave, on any covered injury or illness, or leave of absence or on temporary layoff. But you continue to have full rights and services as a member.

YOUR DUES PAY FOR:

Direct services—wages for union staff and officers and the costs of operating all union programs.

ILWU democracy—for a democratic organization to work, members must be able to take part in decision-making. The ILWU pays the wages, expenses, and traveling costs for membership participation in meetings, negotiations, classes, and conventions.

Operating costs—all the expense of running offices on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, and the Big Island.

Part of your dues go to the ILWU International Union to pay for the important services it provides such as organizing, research, and the ILWU lobbyist in Washington, D.C.

The ILWU also pays dues to the State and National AFL-CIO.

ILWU Local 142 dues can only be changed by a vote of the entire membership.