HILO—On February 21, 2015, Hawaii Division held its 38th Annual Recognition Awards at the Garden Court banquet room at Nani Mau Gardens. It rained most of the day in East Hawaii, darkening the late afternoon sky and slicking roads. But bad weather did not put a damper on the spirits of Big Islanders—nearly 200 ILWU members, pensioners and guests showed up to attend the event celebrating the hard work done by Hawaii Division in 2014.

The letters I.L.W.U. stand for International Longshore and Warehouse Union, a union created in 1934 when longshore and warehouse workers on the West Coast of the United States merged to form a single union. In 1937, longshore workers in Hawaii chose to join up with the ILWU, because it was a democratic union that stood for racial equality within its membership.

The tri-annual Convention will be held at the Sheraton Waikiki 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2015, and closing on or about Friday, June 12, 2015. The elected Convention delegates will vote to decide the International budget, proposed increases in per-capita rates, as well as policies and direction of the ILWU for the next three-year period.

Unit officers and Union Chief Spokesperson Michael Yamaguchi going over the MOA and answering questions at ratification meeting. (l-r): Robert Uyeshiro, Neill Amasaki, Randall Tenn, Lawrence Young, and Michael Yamaguchi.

ILWU members elect worker friendly candidates to office

The ILWU Local 142 would like to extend its deepest gratitude for the tireless efforts of members who canvassed, sign waved, talked with fellow workers and family members, and voted for ILWU-endorsed candidates on Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai.

Donald Trump stunned the political establishment on November 8 with a knockout blow to conventional wisdom and corporate liberalism, delivered by angry working-class voters. “America’s working class has been frozen out or falling behind for three decades while the upper crust has been partying with Washington insiders and Wall Streeters from both parties,” said ILWU International President Bob McEllrath. “Trump tapped into that anger while his opponent stood for the establishment.”

The “International” of the ILWU is made up of the Titled Officers, field staff, professional staff, and clerical workers. International Officers and members of the International Executive Board are nominated at the International Convention that meets every three years. They are elected later in direct rankand-file vote by secret ballot.

Union negotiating committee member Kohry Mulkey (second from left) explains contract gains to members, including the new policy allowing workers to use sick leave as personal days off.

LIHUE—“Kauai, ’as why.” The holiday season brings people together to count their blessings. Kauai’s recognition ceremony happened fittingly around the holidays to give thanks to the members who make the union strong.

LIHUE—Kauai held their 6th annual recognition banquet on December 16, 2016 at Kauai ILWU Union Hall in Lihue. Active members, pensioners and their families played blackjack, Portuguese Horseshoe and Wheel of Fortune at the Casino Night-themed event, ate delicious food, and settled into a night of fellowship.

WAILUKU—The ILWU Statewide 31st Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament was held in Maui on Papohaku Baseball Field on Saturday September 24, 2016. Each of the teams from Maui, Kauai, Big Island and Oahu exhibited great sportsmanship.

Special thanks to Maui Sports Coordinator Claro Romero, and Statewide Sports Coordinators Paris Fernandez (Oahu), Corinna Salmo (Big Island), and Doreen Kua (Kauai).