State cleared on letter to labor board

The state Ethics Commission has ruled the state acted properly when it sent a letter to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board regarding a continuing case involving the teachers union.

The Hawaii State Teachers had argued the governor, schools superintendent and Board of Education chairman were inappropriately trying to influence the board when they sent a letter to the panel agreeing to mediation with certain terms. (The board has yet to act on the letter.)

The labor board also ruled on the issue, saying it was not unauthorized communication because the letter was also sent to the union.

The Ethics Commission also dismissed the union’s charges, saying there is "insufficient evidence to sustain an allegation of misuse of position."

The teachers union is arguing a "prohibited practice" case before the board over the state’s decision to unilaterally implement a "last, best and final" contract offer July 1.

The union argues the state violated members’ rights when it imposed the contract offer with wage reductions and higher health insurance premiums.

The state, meanwhile, says the labor savings were needed to avert layoffs.