Master Agreement

Membership Services

The Hawai`i Carpenters Union invites expert carpenter and novices alike to join us and experience the lifelong benefits of being a member. The Carpenters Union advocates on behalf of its members, and this is well-reflected in terms outlined in the Master Agreement, which sets the ground rules for the labor-management relationship.

The Hawai`i Carpenters Union offers its membership more than just the opportunity to work in their respective trade. Aside from serving as a job referral source, the Union has a number of innovative services that are provided exclusively to members of Local 745, their spouses and eligible dependents. A wide variety of membership services are available, ranging from an in-house legal service plan to a discounted automobile insurance program.

In-House Legal Services

The Union's in-house legal service plan is the only one of its kind in the country. Located on the first floor of the Carpenters Union building in Honolulu, the legal office is staffed by Union-employed attorneys and secretaries who handle a broad range of legal matters for their clients, free of charge.

Full representation is provided to all members in good standing, their spouses and dependents. Cases can include preparation of living wills and trusts, name changes, traffic tickets, family court matters and uncontested adoptions and uncontested divorces.

Workers' Compensation, TDI and Unemployment Claims

Active representation for workers' compensation, temporary disability insurance (TDI) and unemployment claims is available to all members on the job site and all dependents at their workplace. Experienced union staff members assist hundreds of family members with claims, attend hearings and interviews with legal, medical and government agencies, and prepare the necessary records and reports to best present each case.

Competitive Automobile Insurance

Due to a good safety track record by the Union and its signatory contractors, the Hawai`i Carpenters Union is able to provide very competitive automobile insurance rates to members and their dependents. A Carpenters Endorsement includes free clothing and luggage coverage, towing and labor coverage, locksmith services and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. The Carpenters Union's provider also offers homeowners insurance, unemployment insurance and life insurance at discounted rates.

Grievance Representation

The Carpenters Union stands ready to represent its members in any dispute or grievance regarding working rules and conditions on the job site. An established grievance procedure, negotiated in the Carpenters Master Agreement, is the most effective method of resolving workplace disputes between employers and the Union.

Educational Programs

The Carpenters Union conducts several educational workshops and seminars to improve the lives of its rank-and-file members. A variety of topics include negotiated benefits and other union benefits, government policies and regulations, grievance resolution, parliamentary procedures, communication skills and other subjects that ensure an informed membership.

Family Events

To support the Carpenters Union's commitment to families, our union sponsors many membership events that include activities for spouses and children. Picnics on every island feature games for children and toddlers, games and prizes for members and an opportunity to socialize with fellow members' families. Christmas parties, fishing tournaments, and other social activities are also popular with Local 745 members and their families.

Market Recovery Program

One of the most innovative organizations in the country, The Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) is a program jointly administered by the Carpenters Union and its signatory contractors. PRP was originally created by management and labor negotiators to increase the share of unionized construction in Hawai`i, and strives to foster cooperative efforts that stabilize and improve the industry and address areas of mutual concern.

PRP utilizes an advanced database that enables Union staff members to monitor all construction projects in the state and ensure that contractors comply with federal, state and county laws. PRP lobbies extensively at the Legislative and Council level to create job opportunities for members and signatory contractors.

Monthly Newsletter

The latest news and information about the Union is published in the Hawai`i Carpenters Union newsletter. In addition to being available on-line, the monthly newsletter is mailed to the entire membership, its signatory contractors and other government and community leaders.

Public Relations Program

The Hawai`i Carpenters Union has a unique public relations program that keeps the public informed about our role in the community. The program is known nationally for its objectivity, effectiveness and utilization of consultants who are responsible for tracking the opinions of Union members and the general public. The program has been very successful in enhancing the Union's reputation and creating positive awareness in the community through classroom visits, slide shows, news features and editorial coverage.