HONOLULU -- Now that, Gary Rodrigues has been sentenced, the 12-thousand member United Public Workers Union is working to hard to get back on track.

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UPW Leadership Changes

Ever since Rodrigues angrily walked out after his conviction, the United Public Workers Union has been struggling to right itself, KITV 4 News reported. About 12,000 workers belong to the UPW, including prison guards and refuse workers.

Rodrigues left many mistrustful, according to some UPW members.

Rodrigues led the UPW for 21 years. After he stepped down last year, the UPW board appointed Rodrigues' friend Dwight Takeno to take over. Then, 13 days later, the UPW's parent organization, AFSCME, ousted Takeno and the UPW's board of directors.

Attorney Peter Trask was appointed administrator. Last month, Trask abruptly resigned, saying he wanted to return to private practice. His deputy Liz Ho then took over.

"I don't believe what has happened has harmed the union in any way," Ho said. "It is unfortunate what happened to Mr. Rodrigues, however I would like to assure the members that we will continue to work on their behalf."

Investigative reporter Ian Lind was the first to allege financial wrongdoing by Rodrigues. Lind said even though Rodrigues is barred from future union activity, it will take a long time to recover from his strong arm style.

"He wasn't content with defeating his internal opponents. He wanted to crush them, he wanted to demoralize anyone who questioned what he did and it is very hard to restore democracy when you have lived under that for 20 years," Lind said.

Lind said he doesn't envy Rodrigues' successor.

The UPW will elect a new executive director at its convention Dec. 15 and 16.