All IBU members should stop and think for a moment. What have we gained through the efforts of Brian McWilliams and Leonard Hoshijo? Respect. Representation. A Voice. Protection through Solidarity. Brian was defeated in the International election, Leonard won but now has to go through another election because he doesn’t think of us as the other union that pays for protection. He believes, as Brian does, in the power of solidarity, the strength of unity, and that we are not the other union, but that we are a vital part of the ILWU. Life has been good in the SF Bay Region due to the efforts of Brian, Leonard, and our IBU President Dave Freiboth, but will they remain so? I urge all IBU members to cast your vote for Leonard Hoshijo as Hawaii Vice President to try and keep a balance for the IBU and not be known as the other union again. He will honestly and fairly deal with the problems that arise expediently and fight for our rights as the Marine Division of the ILWU, not look at the IBU as the other union.
