2003 Year in Review

Dear Member:

The year 2003 brought changes not only to MDA-UAW Local 571 but also to the whole world. "Operation Freedom" sent our troops to Iraq in the effort to allow Iraqi people a free democracy.  We can only pray for their safe return. The submarines that fired the first missiles were designed and built by the employees of Electric Boat. Business opportunities have given our members a chance to travel on both temporary and permanent assignments in Bremerton, Washington, Norfolk and Newport News, Virginia and the United Kingdom. We thank those members who accepted these assignments for a job well done, and for representing the MDA-UAW Local 571 with great pride and professionalism.

JANUARY

• The Joint Technology Committee and Millard Firebaugh, Vice-President of Innovation addressed the Executive Council on the guidelines for the implementation for the use of the design engineering browser (PORTAL).
• Bob Restivo, Manager of Benefits gave a presentation on CitiStreet, new administration for benefits and SSIP.

FEBRUARY

• Executive Council members attended a two-day Councilor Training class provided by the University of Connecticut Department of Labor.
• The CAN-A-MONTH food drive started.

MARCH

• Trustees performed their semi-annual audit and filed all necessary paperwork. The Trustees reported all books and records were in order.
• Governor Rowland eliminated state funding for the Apprentice programs.
• MDA leadership met with Bath-MDA Leadership to discuss common issues.

APRIL

• Bruce Zalaski, UAW member and a Connecticut State Representative, addressed the Executive Council on recent efforts at the state legislature.
• The School-to-Career program was well received in area schools. There were 10 students assigned to people who volunteered as mentors from the MDA-UAW.
• The Workers Memorial Ceremony was held at Washington Park in Groton, Connecticut on April 28th.
• Representatives from the Benefit Office and outside advisors briefed the Executive Council on the Health Insurance Proactive Accountability Act.

MAY

• Eighteen members of the MDA-UAW Local 571 received Associates Degrees of Science in Marine Technology from Maine maritime; these were the first graduates of the joint Electric Boat/MMA program.
• Senator Chris Dodd visited the shipyard to discuss the proposed transfer of the Administration Of Workers Compensation claims from the Boston regional office to the New York regional office.
• MDA-UAW Retiree Denise Popp re-elected as Major of Groton.

JUNE

• After 13 years Mel Olsson stepped down as President of the MDA-UAW Local 571.
• Newly elected Officers, Executive Board Members and Members at large were sworn into office at the General Membership Meeting.
• The recipients of the John F. Saffomilla & E. Roy Colville $2,000 scholarship awards were Meghan B. Chappell (Gary F. Chappell-member), Jeremy F. Dambach (William G. Dambach-member), Adam M. Fiske (William M. Fiske-member), Perrilea Phoenix (David Phoenix-member), Lauren E. Schultz (Henry E. Schultz-member) and Kerri E. White (Paul R. White-member).
• Annual Flag Day buttons were distributed to members at the plant. (Flag Day is June 14th)
• President John Worobey thanked Mel Olsson, Bob Canova, Ed Nevins and Edd Morgan for their years of service to the Union.
• President John Worobey and 1st Vice President Pete Johnson met with Congressman Rob Simmons to discuss workloads and family issues.

JULY

• Many members and families attended a Union sponsored Mohegan Wolves Arena Football Game.
• The first major hiring initiative started. New Member Kits were purchased and distributed over the next few months.

AUGUST

• The School-to-Career Summer Intern program ended for 2003; it was a huge success.
• Veterans Committee started a database of Veterans that are member of MDA-UAW Local 571.

SEPTEMBER

• President John Worobey thanked Bill Stamp, coordinator, and all the mentors, who were Joanne Baile, Gerhard Barron, Tom Chapman, Bob Burdick, Pete Turco, Bob Valentine, Tony Gigliotti, Gordon Key, Rob Tanner, Tom Eiden, Robin Snelgrove, Chris Williams, John Pellegrino, Rich Labarre, Bob Canova, and John Upholz, for an excellent job making the school-to-career program a success.
• Tenth Annual MDA-UAW Local 571 "Golf Day" took place at Cedar Ridge Golf Club on September 13th.
• Principle Officers attended UAW Region 9A Leadership Conference.

OCTOBER

• John Casey named new President of Electric Boat replacing Mike Toner.
• Health fair was held in Shipyard.
• John Worobey and Pete Johnson attended a press conference where Congressman Rob Simmons announced the agreement by the Defense Department to purchase a ship a year through 2007.
• AFL-CIO Delegates interviewed candidates for the local elections.
• John Worobey, Pete Johnson, and Scott Riccitelli attended RI AFL-CIO Convention in Providence, RI and the UAW/GD Conference in New Orleans, LA.
• UAW Region 9A Director, Asst. Director & Regional Representative met with local Union Officers and Company Representatives on business updates.

NOVEMBER

• Membership voted to move Veterans Day observation back to November 11.
• All who attended enjoyed the Holiday Dinner Dance, held on November 29, 2003 at Mystic Marriott Hotel.
• UAW V-CAP Dollar Drive started.
• Officers of Local 571 met with Senator Chris Dodd.
• Members Dave Bliven and Ken Brevard participated in the Veterans Day ceremony on November 10th at the plant.
• MDA-UAW Local 571 Executive Council approved a $500 donation to Local 538 United Food and Commercial Worker strike fund, to help in their fight against Tyson Chicken.

DECEMBER

• Union signed memo to increase SSIP contribution to the max allowed by federal law.
• Turkeys were distributed at the plant on December 10th & 11th. All unclaimed turkeys were donated to local food banks.