District Council 50

State of the Union Message, May 2010

jade — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:00:49 +0000

Don’t be fooled. The recession is far from over. Yes, there’s been a temporary pick up in work. It’s not falling from the sky. We’re fighting for every single job. We need you to join us.

Our first big demonstration at the Capitol and our radio and television announcements sent the message to our politicians – they have to support our “Local Jobs for Local People” campaign.

It’s working!

The legislative leadership in both the House and the Senate have taken up our cause and are pushing the legislation we proposed to protect local jobs for local people on any taxpayer funded project.

We have just started a combination of our VOC and our Political Action demonstrations.

Our rally at the Yacht Harbor Tower turned out to be very successful — there were over 100 members, spouses, children – all demanding our jobs. And thanks to them, we got the flooring contractor knocked off and got three of our painters put to work to finish up what the non-union painting company was doing. But that’s just the start.

We are leafleting at Walmart to protest their using painters from the Mainland on two renovation projects. Tell your family and friends to complain to Walmart managers. And let them know if Walmart won’t hire local people, then local people won’t shop at Walmart.

By the time you receive this, we will have had more rallies and demonstrations against developers, owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and anybody else who is going to deny us work opportunities.

We will lead the fight. We will win the fight. But only if you join the fight.

Thank you and Mahalo.

Aloha Stadium Demonstration on March 31, 2010

jade — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:11:48 +0000

On March 31, 2010, equipped with bullhorns, cowbells, whistles and sirens the fight for “Local Jobs for Local People” shook up Aloha Stadium in an early morning march. Approximately 100 people gathered from many diverse unions such as the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50 (IUPAT, DC50), Hawaii Masons Union, Ironworkers Union and the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council to show support for the “Local Jobs for Local People” movement and to voice disapproval that state contracts are still going to out-of-state contractors.

“The Local Jobs for Local People’ campaign is about change. We need to remind the people of Hawaii and the politicians that in a recession, taxpayer money needs to stay here. As you can see by the support from the various building and construction trade unions that this is not just an IUPAT, DC50 problem, it’s everyone’s problem,” states Lynn Kinney, Business Managers/Secretary-Treasurer, IUPAT, DC50.

The “Local Jobs for Local People” campaign was first heard last August. The IUPAT, DC50 ran pointed documentary-style commercials shot at Aloha Stadium job sites with close-up work trucks with mainland license plates. The commercial concluded with a rally at the state capitol with over 100 attendees. Hawaii is not the first state to organize a “Local Jobs for Local People” campaign. Times of crisis affect social movement. With the worsening economy and jobs at stake people are fighting for their rights. “This is the time for change in Hawaii,” says Kinney. “This is the time for Joe Citizen to let politicians know it’s not okay to take our jobs. This is about survival.”

The Local jobs for local people movement has become a grassroots phenomenon nationally and globally with campaigns sprouting organically in Ohio, New York, New Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Aloha United Way Annual Golf Tournament

jade — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:46:38 +0000

The Aloha United Way (AUW) held its annual golf tournament on March 5, 2010, at the Pearl Country Club. Kicking off the fundraiser this year was the Golf Ball Drop event. A large crane dropped numbered balls into a designated golf hole. Balls that fell into the cup won prizes according to the position of the balls. Journeyman shop steward at Hawaii Metal Forming and Vice President of the Glaziers Local Union 1889, Joseph Naeole, was the 4^th Place winner of a Honda Generator. The event was able to raise over $8,000. District Council 50 proudly supports this worthwhile and wonderful event that assists families throughout the state who are in need of assistance. Congratulations to Joseph Naeole for being a proud participant and winner in the AUW Golf Ball Drop!

District Council 50 out in force for Hanabusa!

jade — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:16:44 +0000

As you all well know, State Senator Colleen Hanabusa is in the running for the First Congressional District seat that was recently vacated by Neil Abercrombie. Many District Council 50 members have been tirelessly canvassing, sign waving and supporting Hanabusa’s campaign. The ballots have been scheduled to be mailed out on or around May 1 and the last day to send in your ballot is May 22. We encourage all of you to get involved to help send Colleen Hanabusa to congress. “I will work toward reforms that will expeditiously and effectively address the needs of everyday people including creating jobs for Hawaii residents and the rest of the nation,” said Hanabusa. We urge all members to get involved in the campaign to send Senator Colleen Hanabusa to Washington. Please call 808-941-0991 for information on how you can make a difference and be a part of this very important election!

KHVH News Radio 830 discusses Local Jobs Local People Campaign

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:32:20 +0000

You can listen to the program by downloading the mp3 file below.

Download the radio show MP3 9.74MB

District Council 50 demonstrates against Walmart’s policy of hiring out-of-state contractors!

jade — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:39:12 +0000

Walmart store, a common household name and well-known to many Kamaaina for their vast product selection and great prices is employing out-of-state contractors from Pennsylvania to renovate their stores in Hawaii. District Council 50 members took to the street to demonstrate that this kind of behavior is just not right, especially in these tough economic times! Initially, members went to the Kunia and Mililani Walmart stores to educate consumers on the travesty and hardship that Walmart is causing our local economy. Members wanted to take a stand and gain the attention of Walmart’s management. As stated by Nathaniel Kinney, “A corporation that conducts business in Hawaii has an obligation to employ local people.” Many of our brothers and sisters are out-of-work throughout the state and are impacted by the lack of jobs. We all need to unite together to help get people back to work. Please go out and advise your local Walmart Manager that local jobs need to got to local people! To get involved in the “Local Jobs for Local People” campaign, please contact your local union Business Representative.

Our Hands Build Hawaii

jade — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:43:27 +0000

Over 100 men and women united at the crack of dawn on February 26, to express support for “Local Jobs for Local People.” This demonstration took place in front of the Ilikai Yacht Harbor Tower Waikiki construction site. Many of our members came out to show their discontent with non-union hires, and unlicensed contractors who pay substandard wages and employ out-of-state workers. “We are exercising our first amendment rights and freedom of expression by bringing to light the exploitation of workers. We will not tolerate this kind of treatment and will fight to keep Hawaii working.” said Nathaniel Kinney, Director of Organizing. Many families who make these islands their home should also have a sense of security of knowing that they will also be able to provide for their families too! If we all come together to join in the quest to help preserve Hawaii’s work force future, we can ensure that there will be local jobs here in the state for local people who call Hawaii home.

jade — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:04:20 +0000

jade — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:02:03 +0000