The 88% statewide ratification vote to accept furloughs of 0 to 13 days in the 1^st  year and 0 to 24 days in the 2^nd year, was the fulfillment of our commitment to be part of the solution to address the financial crisis facing our State and Counties.  The Union continues to believe that there is an agreement on the amount of furlough days, not a furlough plan.  A furlough plan requires compliance under the provisions of the contract.

Governor Implements State Executive

Branch Furlough Plan

        Governor Lingle’s decision to immediately implement furloughs on Unit 1 members employed in the Executive Branch of the State demonstrates her continued flagrant disregard of your rights. She is well aware of her obligation to bargain with the UPW regarding the development and implementation of their furlough plans.  Clearly she has lost sight of the joint message contained in the Unit 1 Contract to “promote harmonious and cooperative employer-employee relations through collective bargaining”.

UPW Response

        In response to the Governor’s contemptible conduct, our Union has taken immediate action by filing a Prohibited Practice Complaint at the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. We are committed to continue the fight against her actions.

        I am disappointed by the Governor’s directive to implement the maximum13 furlough days without consideration of the operational needs of each of our members’ workplace.  I ask for your patience in our fight at the Labor Board as we pursue this violation of the contract.

You Be The Judge

        Recently a major public controversy arose putting Governor Lingle and cohorts in her administration against the Legislative Auditor Marion Higa.

        It was the Governor who raised the controversy with inflammatory, denigrating, character assassination outcries in the media against Ms. Higa.  The Governor’s retaliatory action and malicious commentary was due to Ms. Higa ‘s independent financial examination of the state Department of Budget and Finance.  The financial examination was conducted by the certified public accounting firm of Accuity LLP.

        Ms. Higa has taken the “high road”, in responding the Governor’s outrage and simply said let us see who is telling the truth and both of us volunteer to subject ourselves to a lie detector test.

        This is what I suggest.  The Legislative Auditor’s report can be found on-line at this web site http://www.state.hi.us/auditor/Years/2010reports.htm.  Read the report and make copies if possible.  YOU BE THE JUDGE.

        In doing as I suggest, I know that your decision will be the same as mine.  Governor Lingle, “You are GUILTY”.

        UPW remains firm in our commitment to take all necessary actions to continue our support of the membership.  “Our Union, Our Family.”  Together, we will continue our fight against this injustice.  Together, let us remain united. Imua.

                                                      Me ke aloha pumehana,

                                                      Dayton M. Nakanelua

                                                      State Director