HONOLULU (HI Now) - The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) and the Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR) at UH West O’ahu are joining forces to celebrate labor history and workers’ rights. Dion Dizon, Director of CLEAR, and Christian Fern, Executive Director of UHPA, discusses the center’s 50th anniversary and an upcoming special performance in honor of International Workers Day.
CLEAR, established in 1976 under Act 202, serves as the statewide clearinghouse for labor education in Hawaii, educating workers, unions, the public and educators about the role of labor in the state. On May 1, CLEAR and UHPA, along with ILWU Local 142, IBEW Local 1186 and the Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program, will present “From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Dock,” a one-person play written and performed by actor Ian Ruskin. The play chronicles the life of Australian immigrant Harry Bridges and his pivotal role in empowering workers through the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
Two events are scheduled: a meet-the-artist gathering at noon at the UH West O’ahu Library and a live performance at 5 p.m. at IBEW. Seating is limited, and reservations can be made at go.hawaii.edu/rfi.
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