Substitute teachers union vetoed

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Gov. Linda Lingle has vetoed a bill allowing substitute teachers at the state's public schools to form a labor union.

Senate Bill 1426 would have given them the right to engage in collective bargaining with the state over issues such as wages and health plan contributions.

Supporters of Senate Bill 1426 said the state's 5,200 substitute teachers lacked representation to protect their rights, and rural areas are dependent on substitutes.

The Hawai'i State Teachers Association is precluded by law from representing substitute teachers, who have had several disputes over pay rates and other issues in the last year.

Labor organizer Jimmy Kuroiwa of the Laborers International Union of North America said supporters would lobby for a veto override today, the last day of the legislative session. It was not clear whether there was enough support to override Lingle's veto.

In an April 29 letter to lawmakers, Lingle said the measure would have applied not only to substitute teachers but to the approximately 54,954 casual and part-time employees in the state Department of Education, who "fall within wide and varied job classes, ranging from cafeteria helpers to grounds maintenance workers, many of whom would not have the same labor interests as would substitute teachers."

Lingle also said the measure conflicted with existing state statutes that set wages and exclude casual and part-time employees from participating in a public employees' health benefits plan.

The governor said administration and grievance procedures for a union made up only of substitute teachers still would pose problems because of their varied qualifications, status, work locations and time on the job.

Senate Labor Committee Chairman Brian Kanno, D-19th (Kapolei, Makakilo, Waikele), said that while compensation is set by statute, issues such as benefits and working conditions could be negotiated. He also said it was appropriate to include casual and part-time workers because of concerns about providing them with a proper benefit structure.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.