KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Read and understand your rights and benefits under the union contract and the ILWU Constitution. You can get copies from your union representative. Take an active part in shaping your working life. Get to know your union shop stewards and get involved with union activities. The union is only as strong as its members.

COME TO UNION MEETINGS. You’ll learn about your rights as a working person. It’s an education that will make you a better person and your employment at your company more rewarding and enjoyable. Your participation in the union is always welcome and you will be glad you got involved. Meeting notices are posted on the union bulletin board, along with other important announcements. Make it a practice to regularly read the notices on the union bulletin board.

Your company is called a “Unit” within the ILWU structure. Each Unit has its own elected officers, union stewards, and treasury. All Unit officers and stewards are volunteers. They get no special treatment or privileges from the company or from the union. They are treated exactly like you, except they often sacrifice a lot of time and effort in making your company a better place to work.

PLEASE TREAT YOUR UNIT OFFICERS WITH CONSIDERATION. They have volunteered to do a difficult job and they need your help and cooperation. You should talk to your union representatives if you have any questions about the union contract or a company policy or practice. They are on your side and ready to help you.

If you cannot reach a Unit officer or steward you can CALL YOUR BUSINESS AGENT at the ILWU office on your island. Regular office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, there is usually someone in the office, even late in the evening.

If your Business Agent is not in the office, you should LEAVE A MESSAGE and a phone number and a time when you can be reached. ILWU business agents are required to return calls and they will get back to you.

IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM, you should contact the union as soon as possible. There is a time limit on reporting problems in the workplace.