Union Guy’s Lawsuit Against Boss Reads Like ‘On the Waterfront’
The manager of a Hawaii electrical workers union asked a subordinate to “hurt” and “kill” union members who criticized him for his “lavish spending” of union money on himself, a union organizer claims in state court.
Thomas D. Decano Jr. sued the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, Local 1260 and its Business Manager/Financial Secretary Brian F. Ahakuelo in Oahu First Circuit Court.
“From the inception of plaintiff’s employment, plaintiff observed that defendant Ahakuelo became extremely angry when union members disagreed with or questioned his decisions,” the complaint states. “From the inception of plaintiff’s employment union members were critical of defendant Ahakuelo for: a) hiring his wife at a salary of $70,272.00 as a secretary when she had limited work experience; b) paying himself $1,000.00 per month to drive his personal vehicle; c) selling defendant IBEW automobiles and keeping the money for himself; d) purchasing new office furniture and five new automobiles; and e) others.”