AFSCME Says "Aloha!"
AFSCME International Convention,
Honolulu, Hawaii
August 24-28, 1998
AFSCME members from around the nation will join in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Hawaii this summer as the 33rd AFSCME International Convention takes place in Honolulu Aug. 24-28.
The Convention will not only enable AFSCME members to set International policies for the next two years, but will provide an opportunity for members to exchange information on confronting the challenges before the union: privatization, attacks by the radical right, securing stronger contracts, building stronger locals, organizing new members.
The Convention will also be a time for recharging the energy of union activists and renewing friendships.
By meeting in Hawaii, AFSCME will demonstrate its support for embattled union members throughout the state which has the highest percentage of unionized workers in the country. Hawaii is suffering through a prolonged economic downturn which is putting pressure on all workers, including the 35,000 members of three AFSCME affiliates: the Hawaii Government Employees Association/AFSCME Local 152, the United Public Workers/ AFSCME Local 646 and Local 928. AFSCME also has 12,000 retiree members in Hawaii.
The official Convention Call — including representation procedures, credential rules, housing applications, We Are Family forms, and resolutions — is being sent to all AFSCME councils, locals, affiliates and retiree chapters.
Registration begins on Saturday, Aug. 22, in Hall I of the Hawai`i Convention Center from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday registration hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Convention will be called to order at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, in the convention center and will continue throughout the week with daily sessions, ending Friday, Aug. 28.
The Delegates’ Reception will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6:00 p.m. in the Rooftop Garden of the convention center. Shuttle bus service will be provided to and from all the hotels that the International has set aside. Daily shuttles for delegates will run in the morning and upon adjournment of each day’s session.
Convention Housing and Travel
The International union has set aside blocks of rooms for delegates and alternates at the following hotels: the Sheraton Waikiki, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, the Ala Moana, the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Hawaii Prince and the Ilikai.
Special accommodations will be provided for any AFSCME member with a disability. Requests for accessible rooms — available at all the hotels listed above — must be noted on the accommodation request form.
Travel arrangements may be made through the AFSCME Convention travel hotline at 1-800-711-7723. Members may request assistance with air travel, car rental and pre- and post-Convention travel packages. AFSCME has also negotiated special round-trip airfares for travel to AFSCME’s International Convention in Honolulu. The four major airlines with comparable airfares are: American, Delta, Northwest and United. However, American is offering an extra five percent discount for ticketing 60 days prior to travel date — no later than June 23, 1998.
Aloha Airlines is offering all AFSCME members a $55 one-way fare to other Hawaiian islands. This is a 35 percent discount off the normal fare. This fare is available for travel from Aug. 10 through Sept. 4. Call Aloha Airlines in advance at 1-800-367-5250 or make reservations after your arrival in Honolulu. An AFSCME Convention identification badge will be required at airport check-in.
Alamo Rent-A-Car has been selected as the official car rental company of the AFSCME Convention. To receive Alamo’s special group rates between Aug. 11 and Sept. 5, call the toll-free, 24-hour reservation number 1-800-732-3232 and request group identification number 543554 and rate code GR.
PEOPLE Events
PEOPLE Booth. Open all week starting on Saturday, Aug. 22.
PEOPLE Merchandise. A brand-new line of PEOPLE wares will be available for your contribution, along with the return of some classics by popular demand.
Wizzard Personalizer. Order a customized key tag or luggage tag and receive it before you leave Hawaii.
PEOPLE Day is Thursday, Aug. 27. Wear your Convention T-shirt to show your support for the PEOPLE program.
Ninth Biennial Fun Run. Ala Moana Park will be the setting for this 7 a.m. activity. You may register from Saturday, Aug. 22 until the end of the session on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
PEOPLE "Double Dollar" Raffle. There will be one winner each day for four days. Raffle prizes of cash will double each day. Also the sellers of winning tickets will be awarded a cash prize.
