Rutledge sees bright
future for labor

'There's always going to be
a need for employees to organize and
speak as one,' says Unity House's CEO

By Jim Witty
Star-Bulletin

Organized labor in Hawaii is alive and kicking and on the brink of better things.

That was the assessment of Unity House Chief Executive Officer Tony Rutledge, who joined thousands of fellow union members at Ala Moana Park yesterday for the foundation's annual Labor Day Picnic.

"I think the labor movement is alive and well," said Rutledge.

"As long as we've got employers who take positions like Consolidated and UPS, there's always going to be a need for employees to organize together and speak as one. It's always been like a pendulum. It's going to come back stronger than before."

Rutledge, whose nonprofit labor foundation provides programs for workers statewide, said Hawaii's unions aren't remaining stagnant. He predicts that union-negotiated 401(k) pension plans will be the salvation of the Social Security system and that privatization will increasingly benefit workers and taxpayers.

"I'm all for it," said Rutledge of privatization. "Every instance of privatization I've heard of has not hurt the workers. The workers went with the job. They became more efficient. Government just isn't supposed to operate like a private employer."

Paul Casaquit, who works at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and belongs to the Hotel Workers Local No. 5, said he's grateful for the protection the union affords him. "It means better wages, good benefits," he said. "I think we're on the right track right now."

So does Robert Shinsado, who holds down two jobs.

"I just go to work, do my thing and get out of there," he said. "But I feel that we need unions. At least I feel more protected."

Unity House gave out 10,000 lunches yesterday before running out of food, Rutledge said.

Another gathering yesterday, "Union Labor Day '97," drew labor leaders and the rank and file to Thomas Square.

"Each working person is a source of strength and pride for our state and our country," said Gov. Ben Cayetano in his annual Labor Day message.

"Workers contribute their knowledge, talents and skills, which are essential to Hawaii's economy and the success of every business and organization."

But don't forget small businesses, said new U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas J. Donohue. "What works in this country is business," he said.

"And the most important part of business is the small companies that are the backbone of the American economy.

"In celebrating American workers -- 10 percent of whom happen to be unionized in the private sector -- it is equally important to celebrate the successes and innovations that America's companies bring to our country."

Donohue said he believes the labor movement will decline in the future.