State of the Union Message from Lynn Kinney

DC50 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

August 2009

There is no way – and no reason – to sugarcoat it. The economy is bad. Jobs are hard to come by, and the jobs we do have are ones we negotiated in Project Labor Agreements three years ago.

Have we been through a situation like this before? The answer is NO. We’ve been slow in our State in the past, but this is a global recession.

So where are we now? What can we do to overcome the tough economic issues that we face?

We have a 4-part attack to deal with the crisis, and the majority of our members are up to the fight.

1. Your VOC (Volunteer Organizing Committee) is actively monitoring work opportunities. For those members who have been actively involved with VOC meetings, retiree meetings, demonstrations, and sign holding, I truly appreciate your participation.
2. Watch for our first District Council 50 TV ad. We’re going on the attack. Hawaii politicians are spending millions of our tax dollars renovating Aloha Stadium, but they let the jobs go to people from the mainland! That must end. DC 50 is going to lead the battle… and if this battle becomes a war, we will win that war!
3. We are exploring the possibility of a union-wide program that would ensure health care for all children.  “Da Care for Keiki”, a program that would be funded from the union’s Savings Account, would guarantee that every child in every member’s family has health care.
4. Build on our friendship with President Obama! We were his strong supporters. He hasn’t forgotten us. I received notice on July 13 that the Prince Kuhio Federal Building will be done under a Project Labor Agreement worth $80 million. In fact, all future federal work for our State of Hawaii may be covered under a Project Labor Agreement. Who says Political Action doesn’t help the working class? I want to thank U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye for making sure our State is taken care of.

Let me close by saying that for those who feel negatively about your situation or your union — you must, for your own survival, stay involved or get involved for your own good. Together, we must keep our Union strong. Start by participating in upcoming mass demonstrations, handbilling, and attending your union meetings. In my opinion, we have yet to really show our strength, and I am looking forward to our membership standing up to the challenge.

There are no easy answers, but this much is certain: with the participation of our membership standing united together, we will prevail.

Thank you and Mahalo.