1 - American Memory

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