<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Members First 1186]]></title><description><![CDATA[Local 1186 Members First is dedicated to strengthening the lives of its members and their families by putting members at the center of every decision.]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:22:56 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.membersfirst1186.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Story of Gary Germano: A Life Rewired by Perseverance]]></title><description><![CDATA[Gary Germano grew up surrounded by the electrical trade long before he ever imagined joining it. He spent his childhood in the neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Waimanalo where he watched his relatives who work as electricians, operators, groundmen, linemen, communication Specialist and saw how the trade could support a family and build a future. Those early impressions stayed with him, even as he tried to carve his own path.   After graduating from University Laboratory High school, Gary enrolled...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/the-story-of-gary-germano-a-life-rewired-by-perseverance</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e7bf23a96d49e56ec91182</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:20:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_5113b12127f04333bb890de6b9a857c1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prepared. Experienced. Ready to Deliver.]]></title><description><![CDATA[It’s easy to throw out vague questions meant to distract and frustrate. That isn’t leadership — it’s avoidance. Members have asked what our approach would look like, and we understand why. After years of uncertainty, people want clarity, direction, and a plan that actually delivers. The truth is simple: results matter. For nearly two decades, too many contracts have failed to keep pace with Hawaiʻi’s rising cost of living. Wages have lagged behind real needs. Benefits have been pressured. And...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/prepared-experienced-ready-to-deliver</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e7324087a5c2e7c135c2a5</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:25:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_e20b04b42aa54ea6a8ee96491dffba6c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_803,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Future of Union Work in Hawaii Is at Risk — Transparency Now!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Brothers and Sisters of IBEW Local 1186 – We Need Transparency Now on Contract Talks Aloha, ohana.  There are growing talks circulating among our signatory contractors and members that the current administration is not communicating effectively — or simply does not have an updated contract ready to show — when contractors ask about the status of new contract negotiations. This isn’t just a paperwork delay or a minor administrative hiccup. It’s a serious breakdown that directly threatens the...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/the-future-of-union-work-in-hawaii-is-at-risk-we-need-transparency-today</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e71bc3a96d49e56ec7848a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:49:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_35220fba30f14f8babb642938d3057f6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Story of Ted Kaneda: Built by Grit, Guided by Family, and Wired for Purpose]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ted Kaneda, (Second from left), Gold Medal at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Competition Ted Kaneda never set out to become an electrician. In 2002, he left home for Oregon State University, following his cousin Charles Tanabe and planning to become a teacher. His father owned a restaurant, and teaching felt like a stable, meaningful path, one that would let him build a good life while serving others. But when Ted returned home in 2005, reality hit hard. Many of his friends who had become teachers were...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/the-story-of-ted-kaneda-built-by-grit-guided-by-family-and-wired-for-purpose</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e6d8448ec4dcd8c05d1d0e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:11:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_3f1496fe8fa4449699c5c520324e5bb2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where Local 1186 Falls Short of IBEW’s Core Principles]]></title><description><![CDATA[Local unions exist to embody the spirit and mission of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, yet there are concerns that the local’s current practices do not align with the IBEW’s foundational Declaration of Principles  or its stated objectives . These principles emphasize justice, solidarity, fair labor standards, and the elevation of members’ well‑being. When measured against these standards, several gaps become clear.  1. Lack of Effective Organizing and Representation 2....]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/where-local-1186-falls-short-of-ibew-s-core-principles</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d8ae25c248b6ab4b285352</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:05:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_6110b5a4fe864eb78e8ae0127d10541d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When the Cost of Living Pushes Our Own People Out: Why This Fight Matters]]></title><description><![CDATA[The pay stub tells a story that’s become far too familiar in Hawaiʻi.  It belongs to a former Local 1186 brother, someone who grew up here, trained here, worked here, and wanted nothing more than to build a life in the islands he calls home. But the math stopped working. The cost of living kept climbing (32% over the last 10 years). Union wages stayed flat. And eventually, he had to make the heartbreaking decision to pack up his life and leave. Today, he’s working under IBEW Local 46 in...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/when-the-cost-of-living-pushes-our-own-people-out-why-this-fight-matters</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d066982a4608ae00207aee</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 01:20:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_5e114f8293f241eea0ff81b73cafd93a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_623,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where Do Our Dues Go? A Closer Look at IBEW Local 1186’s 2024 LM‑2 Filing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Supporting our community has always been part of who we are, whether it’s helping charities, backing first responders, supporting schools, honoring veterans, or standing with labor allies. Those contributions matter, and they strengthen the foundation of union labor in Hawaiʻi. But when we look at the bigger picture of how our dues are spent, some numbers in the union’s public 2024 LM‑2 report raise important questions about priorities and transparency. A $27 Million Snapshot Every year,...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/where-do-our-dues-go-a-closer-look-at-ibew-local-1186-s-2024-lm-2-filing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d056d5f7044e6cf7ac35cf</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:13:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_b5fab0d41c7e4c189640b5de0da651dd~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Time for Real Change: A New Approach to Contract Negotiations ]]></title><description><![CDATA[It’s easy to throw out vague, u nanswerable questions, especially when the goal is to confuse, frustrate, or distract. But that isn’t leadership. That’s deflection. Over the past few weeks, many members have asked what our plan will be if elected. The concern is real, and the fear of the unknown is understandable. We hear you. But the real issue isn’t about predictions. It’s about results. For nearly two decades, too many contracts have fallen short of what our members deserve. Wages have...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/time-for-real-change-a-new-approach-to-contract-negotiations</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d054282a4608ae00205c9c</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:02:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_af5b473227e44293907bec7b16ff8605~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ANOTHER BROKEN PROMISE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Another Broken Promise: Why Members Are Demanding Real Transparency Fellow IBEW Local 1186 members — Our team at MembersFirst 1186  believes that transparency isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of trust in any union, and it’s something every dues‑paying member deserves without hesitation. That’s why what happened recently should concern all of us. A Simple Request for Transparency On March 21st, we submitted a formal and respectful request to the official union email address publicly...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/another-broken-promise</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d02ddb535e7bcd269b5230</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:31:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_76baba32ce0d4d9abd79330b3ed64f88~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Political Endorsements and the Importance of Neutrality in Local 1186 Communications]]></title><description><![CDATA[Political endorsements are a form of campaigning. Recent Local 1186 newsletters have included language that appears endorsement-like. This underscores the need for union leaders to remain neutral in official communications to maintain member trust. Why This Matters for Local 1186 Local 1186 represents members with diverse political views. Because of this diversity, union leadership is expected to remain neutral when acting in an official capacity . Members rely on leaders to focus on...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/political-endorsements-and-union-leadership-why-neutrality-matters-for-local-1186</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bd0e1606e9acd4d41e6e0d</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:10:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_5e1f2f1c613e488bb087dbf0bacbba86~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stronger Together: A New Direction for Our Union]]></title><description><![CDATA[For too long, our members have waited for a fair and competitive contract—one that delivers meaningful gains rather than stagnation, with no new money introduced and real losses to our earning power and benefits over time. Our union deserves strong, proactive leadership that puts your interests first, fights for what we earn, and delivers real, tangible results for every member. At Members First 1186, we commit to the following priorities if elected: Consistent monitoring and protection of...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/stronger-together-a-new-direction-for-ibew-local-1186</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6993a4b09187fc2c55eece78</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:16:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_e08afb5beac34a448a4b80c05b3652ae~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Local Union Members Announce Their Candidacy for the 2026 Elections]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the union prepares for the 2026 elections, a dedicated group of members has stepped forward to offer their leadership, their experience, and their commitment to putting members and their families first. These candidates share a united vision: to strengthen the union by expanding opportunities, improving benefits, and building a stronger, more secure future for every member of our union. Local Union Members Announce Their Candidacy for the 2026 Elections This year’s slate includes  Charles...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/boost-your-membership-with-membersfirst-resources</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6988196fbabf74b7d0ddfd8b</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:04:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_9cc798e27b3a414f81c6ccdaf34fa027~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Union Built by Its Members: The Importance of Voting in the Upcoming 2026 Union Elections]]></title><description><![CDATA[As Local 1186 approaches the June 13, 2026 elections, members have a powerful opportunity to shape the direction of their union for years to come. Voting is more than a procedural step — it is the foundation of union democracy, the tool that ensures leadership remains accountable, and the way members make their voices heard in decisions that affect their livelihoods, their families, and their future. This year, a slate of candidates led by Charles Tanabe  brings together decades of combined...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/maximize-benefits-with-membersfirst-community-support</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6988196c03c01be20d3372e1</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:04:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_efbd214cf991416c84556d70fbac6f41~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Local Unions: Where Hawai‘i’s Workers, Families, and Future Come First]]></title><description><![CDATA[For decades, unions in Hawai`i have stood as some of Hawai‘i’s most important pillars of worker strength, community support, and industry leadership. As the islands continue to grow and evolve, the role of local unions remains essential—not only in protecting the rights of its members, but in shaping the future of Hawai‘i’s workforce and the communities they serve. Putting our members and their families first Local unions represent skilled professionals whose work keeps Hawai‘i running:...]]></description><link>https://www.membersfirst1186.com/post/unlock-exclusive-support-for-members-at-membersfirst</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6988196c2cdf0885c991f507</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:04:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d94929_cb013ae92cbb4b12bc974f230e28b82e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>MEMBERS FIRST 1186</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>