BUSINESS MANAGER'S REPORT

July 1, 2009

 

1.  We have been reviewing the Secured Lenders' request to amend the Hawaiian Telcom Collective Bargaining Agreement specific to the Pension Plan. There are still many questions which we need clarity on.

 

The Company and the Secured's recognize the vital importance of the employees to the Company. The Company's business plan, and its commitment to our members from day one, has been to assume the Collective Bargaining Agreement in its entirety. The Union team believes that the CBA was fought hard for and agrees with the Company's reorganization plan, which includes fully complying with the funding requirements set by the Federal Regulators. We recognize the challenging financial times the Company is having; however, those issues had been discussed and taken into consideration when we concluded contract talks on September 13, 2008.

 

We thank our members for being strong and getting the Company through some of the darkest of times. We will continue to update you on our progress as things develop.

 

2.  Our Political Action Committee has unanimously voted to endorse Congressman Neil Abercrombie's campaign to become the next Governor of the state of Hawaii. Neil has been a strong advocate for working men and women everywhere, but especially here in Hawaii; whether by crafting labor agreements that will keep jobs in Hawaii for the next 50 years, or committing to support a strong educational system; looking for alternative/renewable energy resources, or developing a better healthcare system; but, most importantly, trying to stop the off-shoring of work and keeping things American; and buying local.

 

3.  We would like to remind all our members about the importance of contributing to our Political Action Committee fund. With the current state administration implementing "management's rights" with discussions of furloughs and budget cuts, we need someone in office who will be able to work with Labor, the private sector, and the Legislature, to address these critical issues together. And it takes money to help the right person get elected.

 

The PAC's selection of candidates is clearly based upon each individual's commitment to helping working men and women, and not on their positions regarding issues as same sex marriage, gun control, or the right to life. Those are personal choices, and we respect them. We need our members to get involved with their PAC team and contribute to the foundation of helping to build a stronger America.

 

4.  Our Saipan Brothers and Sisters have been having some trouble with their PTI management team's interpretation of "management's rights". With the help of CEO Larry Knecht, we were able to work through these labor issues. We expressed to the CEO the economic value of working with and communicating with the Union, rather than having us as an adversary.

 

5.  Finally, as we look forward to celebrating Independence Day, let us give thanks to our Veterans and active military personnel for all the good that they do for us.  Please remember that freedom has a cost, and the men and women of the armed forces have stepped up to protect that freedom for us. God bless them all.