LOCAL UNION 1186 IBEW     Election Results Here - 6/21/2008

STATE OF THE UNION

 

by Gerald Yuh
Business Manager/Financial Secretary

June 2008

IBEW BUSINESS MANAGER'S MESSAGE

We were privileged to have had several guest speakers at the Unit I membership meetings in April and May including a State Senator and City Council members Ann Kobayashi and Donovan Dela Cruz.  They honored us by their presence and discussions on the city and rail transit.  The suggested technology of the proposed transit system is steel on steel rail but there is a desire by some to look at other systems that may not be as loud and more flexible.  Clearly, steel on steel rail or magnetic elevation would advantage the IBEW and our workforce.  It would also require electricians to maintain the system as it would be electrically powered.  The maintenance personnel and the union that will represent those workers may see several trade unions competing for that part of the system no matter what technology is chosen.

As I have often reiterated in this newsletter, government and political involvement is critical to defending our industry.  All legislators that visited us agree that Local 1186 has gained tremendous respect in the political arena and much of that is attributed to the rank and file members who understand how important political action is to their livelihood.  They volunteer their time to attend rallies, sign holdings and often include family members in support of legislators that have been allies to IBEW and labor.  In fairness to our contractors, they too have played a vital role providing financial support to key legislators when called on.

“Clearly steel on steel rail or magnetic elevation would advantage the IBEW and our workforce."
TRUST FUND REPORT

"Can the Pension Fund support an increase to the Pension credits?"  This was the question that was posed to Pension Consultant Charlie Furuike at the May Unit I meeting.

As we entered into the mid 80's and 90's, there was a false sense of security that nothing needed to be improved.  What was not taken into consideration was the long term effect of the increasing numbers of retirees and increased benefit distributions.  This is where constant assessment and understanding of a funds valuation becomes so important.

We must be conscious of the age makeup of our membership, calculate the number of current and future beneficiaries, know the ratio of retirees to active members, mortality and life expectancy and of course the amount of monies distributed per year, market trends and the geo-political events that affect world economics.  It is complex to say the least.  This information is calculated to determine the amount of contribution and investment return needed to keep the fund healthy and not fall into an under-funded status.

After 2002, we learned where mistakes were made, diversions were stopped, increases in contributions were negotiated and responsible asset management produced steady growth.  The 2007 audit which showed good growth warranted the question to our actuary, "Can the Pension fund support an increase in the benefit?"  Although the answer was in the affirmative, there were valid concerns about the construction and economic forecast.  Our contractors must be comfortable in bearing the burden of the increased liability that comes automatically with an increase.  There are several scenarios for trustees to consider and it will be in discussion in May and June.

ORGANIZING

On Friday May 23rd 2008, HMS Electric and owner Mike High became signatory to the IBEW family.  This is a significant addition to our family as HMS employs 50 electrical workers in Hawaii.  Their business philosophy centers on a high standard of quality work but more importantly taking care of their workforce and family which helps create good worker attitude and ultimately a successful company.  The lightning rod to HMS is their owner Mike High.  In walking the management team through the transition, Mike was constantly concerned about his workers and any disruption to medical coverage, inclusion into training, apprenticeship and licensing preparation.

When asked his interest in becoming an IBEW signatory contractor, Mike replied, "We recognized the influence IBEW has in Hawaii and Gerald's reputation of marketing and support for his contractors. We look forward to expanding into the private sector and know that licensing is mandatory.  We want our people trained and licensed for their benefit as well as ours as this is a long term endeavor." 

Skitch Boren, HMS Regional Manager for the Pacific Rim, worked closely with myself and staff to communicate the benefits of joining the IBEW with employees.  "Mike and I were not sure how our employees would receive the news of being signatory to the union.  Mostly because the difference in their paychecks would be significant as they currently receive the total union prevailing rate of $59.72 in the check.  But Gerald and his staff explained the long term benefits of tax deferred retirement funds, training and the strength of the IBEW so well, the employees were put at ease and looking forward to the move."

DUES UPDATE

The transfer of your dues account from American Savings Bank to Central Pacific Bank is complete and you should have received a notification of the new procedures.  I want to thank everyone for your patience but also the office staff and legal counsel that worked many hours beyond their normal working day to get this project up and running.
 
This change was unavoidable due to new Homeland Security issues that have been put in place to protect us from terrorist activity.  This includes money laundering through the banks.  Fortunately, CPB was willing to accommodate our special needs and worked diligently with our staff to develop the necessary programs that ended up far more complex than first thought.

Lastly, the Democratic nominee has been determined.  Barack Obama has successfully reached the number of Super Delegates necessary to secure the nomination.  I was privileged to have been asked to serve as a Super Delegate on Obama's behalf and regret not accepting that offer due to other pressing responsibilities.  It was an opportunity of a lifetime and historic to be part of the selection of the first African American nominee and potentially the first President of the United States of color.  Individually yes, but what's more important is Obama's strong ties with Hawaii which will certainly advantage this state and union members across the country.





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UNIONS 101

In honor of the recent Labor Day holiday, The Hawaii Electricians is offering this quick study of how unions help workers with a voice on the job:

What is a Union?
     A union is a group of workers who forms an organization to gain:

  • Respect on the job;
  • Better wages and benefits
  • More flexibility for work and family needs
  • A counterbalance to the unchecked power of employers, and
  • A voice in improving the quality of their products and services.

How do people form a union?
     When workers decide they want to come together to improve their jobs, they work with a union to help them form their own local chapter. After a majority of workers shows they want a union, employers sometimes honor the workers' choice.
     Often the workers must ask the government through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold an election. If the workers win their union, they negotiate a contract with the employer that spells out each party's rights and responsibilities in the work place.

What kinds of workers are forming unions today?
     A wider range of people than ever before, including many women and immigrants, is joining unions: doctors, nurses, poultry workers, graduate employees, home health care aides, wireless communications workers, auto parts workers and engineers, to name a few.

How do unions help working families today?
     Through unions, workers win better wages, benefits, and a voice on the job — and good union jobs mean stronger communities. Union workers earn 26 percent more than nonunion workers and are more likely to receive healthcare and pension benefits than those without a union.
     In 2002, median weekly earnings for full-time union wage and salary workers were $740, compared with $587 for their nonunion counterparts. Unions lead the fight today for better lives for working people, such as through expanded family and medical leave, improved safety and health protection, and fair-trade agreements that lift the standard of living for workers all over the world.

What have unions accomplished for all workers?
     Unions have made life better for all of America's workers by helping to pass laws endings child labor, establishing the eight-hour day, protecting worker's safety and health, and helping create Social Security, unemployment insurance, and the minimum wage.
     Unions are continuing the fight today to improve life for all working families in America.



 
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CONTACT LOCAL UNION 1186 OFFICE

Financial Secretary/Business Manager
Gerald Yuh
ibewgyuh@hawaii.rr.com

Phone Numbers
Honolulu Office   (808) 847-5341
Hilo Office   (808) 961-6444
Kona Office   (808) 329-6960
Maui Office   (808) 244-8002


Address
1935 Hau Street, Room 400
Honolulu, HI 96819

E-mail
ibew1186@hawaii.rr.com