Aloha UHPA Members,
May 1st is International Workers’ Day, and this year UHPA is honored to sponsor a special theatrical event in partnership with the Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR) at UH West Oʻahu. This collaboration, initiated by UHPA Member and CLEAR Director, Dion Dizon, is a result of the AFT Mobilize, Organize, Vote, Empower (MOVE) Grant recently awarded to UHPA, designed to amplify the faculty voice, strengthen our community ties, and uphold the democratic values that are essential to Hawaiʻi.
Featured HI Now Segment
As part of our monthly HI Now segments featuring the diverse impact of our faculty, HI Now recently sat down with Dion Dizon and UHPA Executive Director Christian Fern to discuss the significance of May 1st and the upcoming performance of From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks. You can watch the full segment here.
Why We Celebrate May 1st: International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, holds deep significance for unions and labor movements worldwide. It originated in the late 19th century to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago, where workers rallied for an eight-hour workday. Today, it remains a vital day for organized labor to reflect on our shared history, advocate for workers’ rights, and celebrate the collective strength that unions bring to our communities.
About the Play: The Story of a Labor Visionary
From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks is a powerful, 65-minute one-man play that brings the legendary Harry Bridges to life. In 1920, a young Australian seaman arrived in San Francisco; over the next 60 years, he would reshape the American labor movement. As a founder of the ILWU, Bridges championed strong democratic principles, groundbreaking benefits, and a fierce belief in social and political action for workers worldwide. He was a tireless advocate against prejudice and discrimination, enduring 21 years of government trials and hearings before finally being granted American citizenship in 1955.
In today’s turbulent political climate, where public higher education and labor unions face increasing scrutiny and legislative threats, the story of Harry Bridges is more relevant than ever. This play serves as a powerful reminder that the rights and protections we enjoy today were hard-won through the collective action of visionary leaders and dedicated workers.
Performance and Event Details:
Event 1: Meet the Artist, Ian Ruskin
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Event 2: Watch the Live Performance
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How to Join: For more details and to secure your spot, please see the RSVP link. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the legacy and contributions of workers everywhere.
Mahalo!