2002 Year in Review

Dear Member:

The year 2002 would prove to be a relatively quiet year in contrast to the horrific events of September 11, 2001.  The fact that the membership had approved an early 54-month contract in November of 2001 allowed for 2002 to move along without any major distractions.

JANUARY

• The new Design Tech category went into effect for 126 Senior Design Specialist.
• The new leadership position of Super Chargeman for two bargaining unit members was implemented.
• International UAW CAP conference held in Washington, DC.

FEBRUARY

• Twenty union participants took part in Union Councillor Training provided by the University of Connecticut Labor Education Center.
• Six engineers volunteered as tutors to assist MDA-UAW Maine Maritime Academy students with their course work.
• The company embarked on a "War-on-Cost" program with the implementation of four lean/sigma 6 process review committees.  The thought may be good, but the direction seemed to be aimed at bargaining unit work.
• 21 newly appointed or reappointed committee chairpersons were announced.

MARCH

• The Joint Technology Committee upscaled review of new design browser technology (PORTAL).  Company acknowledges important of committees' role.
• State of Connecticut Comptroller Nancy Wyman addressed our General Membership at our quarterly meeting at Ocean Beach Park.
• Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) and UAW Local 571 negotiation committees reach agreement on a new contract; ratification was almost unanimous.

APRIL

• Election for four delegates to the 33rd International UAW convention took place.
• "School-to-Career" program got up to full speed with the appointment of a union Labor Liaison coordinator for Electric Boat.
• Wind and rain could not keep over 100 people from attending Worker's Memorial Ceremonies held at Washington Park.

MAY

• Official contract signing ceremonies took place.
• After a photo taking session, 320 skilled trades applications sent to the Region 9A UAW for processing.
• Contract put "on-line" for first time.
• Union President and company officials meet with the Secretary of the Navy.
• Scholarship Selection Committee met to select winners.
• Bruce "Zeke" Zalaski, UAW Region 9A CAP Council President and candidate for state representative, addressed the Executive Council who made personal donations to his campaign.  (Zeke won his election).

JUNE

• Twenty-nine Class of 2001 Apprentices have formal graduation ceremonies.  Ed Faubert selected outstanding MDA-UAW apprentice.
• Bargaining unit mentors selected to work with "School to Career" summer interns.
• Six $2,000.00 scholarships awarded to students of bargaining unit members who are Christopher M. Antoszek, Christa L. Cozzolino, Amanda E. Nadeau, Dawn M. Pedro, Tracy L. Rappoport and Sarah M. Servidio.
• Ninety-six Engineering Assistants chose to enter bargaining unit.
• Optical Tool category extended to design tech.
• United Way campaign kickoff held at Seaman's Inn.
• Local 571 delegates attended the 33rd UAW Constitutional Convention.  A new UAW President, Ron Gettelfinger, was elected.

JULY

• Annual picnic held at Lake Compounce Theme Park.
• Company/Union Area Steering Committee held a two-day offsite to access direction of joint relationship.
• Local 571 volunteers participated in United Way Day of Caring at the Pequotsepos Nature Center.
• Two additional Design Major Area Team Leaders elected; total now three.
• All bargaining unit members with recall rights remaining were recalled.

AUGUST

• Maine Maritime Associate degree program extended to include '92, '93, and '94 apprentice graduates.
• Company notifies union that they will be asking bargaining unit retirees to return to work temporarily to assist with workload spike.
• Representative Richard Gephardt visited area in support of candidate Joe Courtney and met with Local 571 leadership.
• Recently retired UAW President Steve Yokich passed away.
• Top bargaining unit wages increased over $2.00 in first year of new contract.

SEPTEMBER

• A Retirement Seminar, provided for by the Union with assistance from the company benefits department, was held at the Groton Motor Inn; over 130 attended.
• The first 100 UAW Skilled Trades Cards and pins were distributed.
• The General Membership, at the September meeting, passed a motion that "returning retirees voluntarily pay one hours dues per month with the money going into the Retirees Fund."
• The 8th annual Golf Tournament was held at Cedar Ridge Golf Course.

OCTOBER

• The Benefits Department announces that beginning in January Rhode Island residents health care benefits provider will change from Colonial Cooperative Care to UNIPRISE (United Health Care).
• Local 571 members volunteer their time to assist with the "Gemma Moran Food Bank" weeklong food drive.
• Officers and members volunteer time to assist with Connecticut and Rhode Island state and federal election campaign drives.
• Company put on dinner and gave blazers to employees with 40 years of service, many of whom are Local 571 members.
• Local 571 Leadership attended the Courtney/Simmons debate.
• Four new MDA-UAW Super Chargemen selected; total now six in bargaining unit.

NOVEMBER

• The MDA-UAW Local 571 Veterans Committee and volunteer members held their annual "Poppy Drive" on Veterans Day; $1,745.00 donated.
• Semi-annual UAW General Dynamics Council meeting held.  Corporate office provided defense budget visions under new federal administration.
• Joint Technology Committee gave presentation to Innovation Directors, Managers and Grievance Representatives on policy and guidelines for use of Technological Product Data.
• Holiday Dinner Dance held at the Mystic Marriott; 500 attend.

DECEMBER

• Turkeys given out to all employees.
• Due to new contract enhancements, 11 bargaining unit members able to take early retirement.