1 - American Memory
1 - American Memory
1 - American Memory
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165<br />
We are pleased to note that the proposed legislation recognizes that<br />
present Federal emergency dispute procedures for resolving maritime<br />
and longshore industry disruptions does not adequately address itself<br />
to the peculiar problems existing with regard to our island State. For<br />
example, during the last shipping tieup on the west coast, which had an<br />
extremely severe effect on our local economy, it was not imtil the east<br />
coast docks were also shut down, that existing Federal emergency<br />
authorities were brought into play.<br />
The proposed legislation, which would assure the normal flow of<br />
ocean commerce for 160 days between our ports and the west coast,<br />
appears to be a major step in resolving our problems. Further, the<br />
proposed legislation appears to adequately recognize the need to pro-<br />
tect the collective bargaining process, by making it applicable only to<br />
those particular geographical areas severely affected, and by including<br />
provision for additio al wages to be received by involved employees,<br />
based upon agreements subsequently negotiated. This proposal seems<br />
equitable to all parties concerned.<br />
In supporting this legislation, we would like to also emphasize that<br />
we do not do so in the spirit of interfering with the normal process<br />
of labor-management negotiations. We recognize the established role<br />
of the negotiation process in the labor-management field today.<br />
Labor-management relations in the State of Hawaii have generally<br />
demonstrated a maturity which can serve as an example to other areas<br />
of our country. The mutual respect and cooperation between manage-<br />
ment and labor has been a vital factor in the growth of Hawaii. Never-<br />
theless, from time to time, impasse has occurred. In times such as these,<br />
the welfare of our entire island community must be considered. On<br />
that basis, some means of providing relief, practically and expedi-<br />
tiously, and when needed, must be established.<br />
It is our feeling that the proposed legislation goes far to accomplish<br />
the wishes of the commimity from the small businessman to the indus-<br />
trial giant; from the man on the street to the housewife. We are pleased<br />
to see this legislation proposed. We are pleased to lend our voice in<br />
support, arid urcre the Members of r'onjrress to concur.<br />
We ask the gentlemen of the subcommittee to give every considera-<br />
tion to the peculiar problem which we face in Hawaii. Hawaii is al-<br />
ready at an economic disadvantage compared with the mainland<br />
United States, because of our dependence upon ocean shipping and the<br />
associated costs. Prolonged labor disputes, which mean not only that<br />
we cannot receive necessary foodstuffs and other such essential items<br />
from outside the State, but that we also cannot ship our products,<br />
principally pineapple and sujrar, agsrravate the problem, to the extent<br />
that the well-being of our entire society is jeopardized.<br />
Grentlemen, we ask for your assistance and consideration. The peo-<br />
ple of the countv of Mani. as well as the State of Hawaii, would be<br />
deeply appreciative. Thank you.<br />
Mr. JARMAN. Thank vou. Councilman Bulgo, for adding to our<br />
hearine record on this subject.<br />
Mr. Harvey ?<br />
Mr. HAR\'EY. I have no questions, but we tliank you, Mr. Bulgo.<br />
Mrs. MINK. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.