BUSINESS MANAGER'S REPORT

January 2, 2009

 

1.  As 2008 comes to an end and we begin a new year, IBEW 1357 members have gone through some of the toughest times in the history of telecommunications. Thanks to the efforts of President Ted Furukado and the Executive Board, we, as a Local Union, have still been able to accomplish many of our goals:

• Removing of the SPP for HT members

• Restarting of the Local Common Interest Forums

• Unprecedented training for Union Leaders

• Naming of 1357's Registrar (unprecedented political changes in '08)

• Naming of 1357's Press Secretary and regular participation in the IBEW Journal

• The settling of 3 contracts in a 16 month period

• Compliance with Federal regulations (Cap Audit)

• No loss of jobs.

As you look at the role of our administration, our job has been, and will continue to be, to protect its members. Mandatory overtime, heavy-handed disciplines, the filing of Chapter 11, freezing of the lump sum pension option, required certifications for postings, quotas, etc., are not Union policies.

 

If you look at the principles of the 2006 dues increase, for which I take full responsibility, it was necessary for the following reasons:

• Resources needed to legally challenge the Company as they continue to test the CBA;

• Membership in both Hawaiian Telcom and PTI not being backfilled;

• Expenses tied to the recent contract extension and the anticipated cost for bargaining the Hawaiian Telcom, Verizon Retirees and PTI contracts;

• Resources needed to hire and train more staff to better service our members;

• Extensive training needed for Executive Board, Units and Stewards.

Our administration has not wavered in our commitment to these principles, and we will continue to position our membership to succeed. Our main focus right now is to make sure that everyone has a job, that they have dignity in their workplace, and that we can improve their quality of life in and out of the workplace.

 

However, we cannot do it without the support of our membership. So we ask that you please continue to be responsible and stay involved with your Local Union. Join your local PAC, help your fellow Brothers and Sisters, continue to educate yourself and learn more about the Union, continue to educate yourself and learn more about your job, and continue to be the best workforce "bar none" and differentiate yourself from the Time Warner's of the world.

 

My sincerest thanks to all of you who have helped the Union out during these troubled times, and I ask for your continued support and your patience as we finish our work this year.

 

2.  REMINDER --- In addition to Union dues, which vary for working and non-working members, all members are required to pay a monthly per capita tax to IBEW International. Effective January 1, 2009, the per capita tax has increased from $11.00 per month to $12.00 per month. The increase will be reflected in your payroll dues deductions and/or your dental and membership dues billings.

 

3.  Once again, IBEW Local Union 1357 is making scholarships available to active members and their children entering or continuing post-high school education in the U.S.A. Application forms will be available through the Union Office after January 15th. Deadline for receipt of completed applications and related material is March 31, 2009. Please call the Union Office (941-7761 or 1-800-994-4239) for more information.

 

4.  2009 will be a busy year for Local 1357, as we continue to build better-informed leaders through ongoing training for our Executive Board, Units and shop stewards. We will also be looking for a few good Sisters and Brothers to help lead the Union into the next decade, as we prepare for Local Union elections in 2010. If your are interested in serving your Union, there are several vacancies on our Unit Executive Committees throughout Hawaii and Saipan. Contact your Unit Chairman and get involved in your Unit.

 

God's Blessings on all of us for a great 2009.