For the past twelve years, I have had the privilege of working in the union office alongside our current Business Manager Damien Kim. During that time, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the responsibility that comes with leading our local union and the daily work required to represent and serve our membership.
With his decision to step aside after many years of dedicated service, I believe it is time to step forward and continue the work of protecting and strengthening our union.
This election comes at an important moment for our local. The decisions we make in the coming years will shape the future of our union, our industry, and the opportunities available to the next generation of electricians who will follow us.
Throughout my nearly thirty years as a member of Local 1186, I have served our membership in many roles, including:
• Interim Business Manager
• Assistant Business Manager
• Recording Secretary
• Executive Board and Examining Board Member
• Business Representative
• Lead Organizer – Guided the local to multiple Henry Miller Organizing Award recognitions
• Benefit Fund Trustee (10+ Years) – Pension, Annuity, Health & Welfare, Vacation & Holiday, SUB, Training Funds, and Hawaii Electricians Market Enhancement Program
• Board Member – Hawaii Electricians Credit Union
• Training Fund Instructor – Motor Controls and Power Quality
• Union Class Instructor – COMET, Code of Excellence, IBEW Strong, and PAL
• Joint Apprenticeship Committee Member
• 2022 IBEW Convention Delegate
• Delegate to the Hawaii State AFL-CIO
• Helped Launch the Local’s VOLT and RENEW Committees
• Lead and Foreman in the Field – IPAC and American Electric
• Shop Steward
Each of these roles has given me a deeper understanding of our union and the responsibility we have to serve the membership.
Like many of you, my journey in the electrical trade began with the opportunity that union membership provides—the chance to earn a good living, support a family, and take pride in doing skilled work alongside brothers and sisters who look out for one another. That experience shaped my belief in the importance of strong unions and is why I have dedicated much of my career to serving the membership of Local 1186.
This coming year will be an important one for our local. We will be entering negotiations for several contracts that directly impact the livelihoods of our members and their families.
Contract negotiations are some of the most important responsibilities of union leadership. They determine the wages, benefits, and working conditions that support our members and their families. Negotiations are not the time for on-the-job training. They require preparation, experience, and relationships built over many years.
Over the years, our team has built strong relationships with our employer counterparts while consistently advocating for fair wages, strong benefits, and responsible agreements that protect the long-term strength of our industry. I believe our experience and relationships place us in the best position to negotiate agreements that support our members and their families.
My Priorities for the Future of Local 1186
Responsible Stewardship of Your Benefits and Your Money
Every dollar in our general fund and benefit trust funds belongs to the membership. Our responsibility is to manage those funds carefully so they remain strong for generations to come.
Preparing Members for the Future with the Latest Training
The electrical industry is rapidly evolving. Artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced electrical systems are becoming part of our work. Our union must stay ahead by expanding training opportunities and ensuring our members are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow.
Enforcing the Contract
Our agreements set the standard for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. I am committed to ensuring those standards are upheld and that issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
Strategic Growth Through Organizing
A strong union must continue to grow. My goal is to expand our membership through diversification—continuing to organize the electrical construction industry, focusing on the private telecom and federal sectors, and identifying new opportunities in the professional and industrial sectors.
Strong Representation and Member Engagement
Our union is more than just dues and contracts. By investing in our members through professional development, education, and growth opportunities, we will strengthen connections and build the solidarity that makes our union strong.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
The future strength of Local 1186 depends on developing the next generation of leaders. I am committed to mentoring members and creating opportunities for them to step into leadership roles.
Our union was built by generations of members who believed in solidarity, professionalism, and pride in our trade. My goal is simple: to protect what they built and prepare our union for what comes next.
Over the coming months, I look forward to speaking with members across all units and classifications. Your ideas, concerns, and perspectives are important, and I hope to earn your support.
Mahalo for your time, your trust, and your continued commitment to our union.
In solidarity,
Leyton Torda
Candidate for Business Manager
IBEW Local 1186