IBEW LOCAL UNION 1357

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BUSINESS MANAGER'S REPORT

August 7, 2009

1.  The Union has just completed the H'EE road shows at the various Hawaiian Telcom base yards, making sure that our members continue to support the program. As we have shared in the past, it is essential to the survivability of our membership that the Company continues to generate more revenue. Investments in infrastructure, system upgrades, tools and equipment, training and education, Next Generation/High-Speed Internet Services, etc., are important to our members' quality of life. But, more important is that those services and products are supported by the best work force in this nation, bar none, which means . . . jobs. Please encourage your family, friends, church members, lodge members, sport teams, etc., to use our products and services, and remind them that our members have been providing "World Class Service" to the state of Hawaii for over 100 years.

2.  Chapter 11 continues to put pressure on the Union's resources. Legal fees, time in court, preparation to address bankruptcy issues, while we continue to manage the day to day operations, tax our resources. However, through it all, we have addressed some very important concerns:

• Getting rid of Mike Ruley, Harvey Plummer, John Gelman, Claire Cooper, and the rest of their cronies

• Protecting our members' Health and Welfare benefits

• Protecting the Collective Bargaining Agreement

• Helping to heal the Call Centers

• The hiring and training of staff to help better service our members

• Providing training for Union Leaders

• Minimizing the impact on the Retail Stores due to cutbacks

• Negotiating the PTI and Hawaiian Telcom contracts

• Trying to find better medical cost solutions for both our active and retired members

• Holding back the wolves on the Pension Plan while in Chapter 11.

Unfortunately, there are cost implications tied to our efforts as we continue to fight for our members. We are working closely with the Executive Board on balancing the fiscal responsibility of the Union, while making sure we are properly servicing our members. We need the membership's help to continue to be responsible leaders and members.

3.  President Ted Furukado and I will be joining our Unit 10 members via teleconferencing for their next Unit meeting. On the agenda will be:

• Attendance issues

• Elections and Politics

• Union Policies

• Making a difference as a Union member.

The President and I are committed to helping our Unit 10 Brothers and Sisters grow in their understanding of Unionism and the IBEW.

4.  We've extended the entry deadline for our Hawaii Food Bank Golf Tournament to August 21st. With so many in our community already out of work, and State workers facing layoffs later this year, we need to do our part to help those less fortunate than we. Come have fun, while contributing to a worthy cause, Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 5th, at Makaha Resort & Golf Club. Check-in 6:15AM; Tee Time 7AM. Call the Union Office for forms and information.

5.  We have much to be grateful for this Labor Day, so let's not forget those who made it possible. We celebrate all the men and women of IBEW Local 1357 who fought for the rights and privileges we enjoy today, and we thank God our Father for all His blessings in our lives. Have a safe and joyful Labor Day holiday.