2004 Year in Review

JANUARY

• The Union met with the company concerning temporary positions to help the process review initiative. The two positions discussed were for Green Belt and Black Belt. The Green Belt position is a part-time position whereby the individual will remain in the home department. The Black Belt position is a two-year assignment that requires the individual to be on loan to the Process Improvement group.

FEBRUARY

• The V-CAP Dollar Drive was held and the total number amount of tickets sold was 386. A $772.00 contribution was made to the UAW V-CAP.

• Design apprenticeship classes began for 2004. Nearly 80 apprentices enrolled in the new classes.

• The Union had representatives attend the United Way Councilor training.

• MDA-UAW Local 571 Executive Council approved a $1,000.00 donation to the Worker's Memorial Fund.

MARCH

• UAW Region 9A Director Phil Wheeler, Asst. Director Bob Madore and Regional Representative Dan Mastropietro toured the shipyard.

• Trustees performed their semi-annual audit and filed all necessary paperwork. The Trustees reported all books and records were in order.

APRIL

• Union signed an MOA modifying Bereavement Pay. Members who are absent from work during the scheduled work week due to the death of a parent or stepparent will be paid during such absence a maximum of forty (40) hours at their base pay.

• Union signed an MOA implementing the annual Performance Award Program for 2004. The memo provided for an increased award if certain milestones were achieved.

• The Worker's Memorial Ceremony was held at Washington Park in Groton, Connecticut on April 28th.

MAY

• The Union was officially notified of layoffs. (127 members were to receive notices within the Mechanical/Structural/Electrical disciplines)

• President John Worobey met with 2nd District Congressman Rob Simmons and EB Management to discuss the layoffs and new work opportunities.

• A transition center staffed by two MDA-UAW members opened to assist members affected by the layoff.

JUNE

• The Local awarded six $2,000.0 John F. Saffomilla & E. Roy Colville scholarships for 2004. The recipients were: Brittany M. Dewolf (Gary Dewolf-member), Kyle G. Felciano (Richard C. Felciano-member), Patrick S. Knight (Stephen D. Knight-member), Katelyn E. Peckham (Gerald D. Peckham-member), Joseph A. Pisaturo (Joseph A. Pisaturo-member), and Zachary J. Shedlock (John M. Shedlock-member).

• MDA-UAW Local 571 Executive Council approved sponsoring a "Hole" for $400.00 and a "Green" for $200.00 for the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center golf tournament.

• The United Way Day of Caring was held on June 19th in Norwich, CT. Many MDA-UAW members volunteers their time for this event.

• Annual Flag Day (June 14th) buttons were distributed to the membership throughout the plant.

JULY

• The company officially notified the Union that all layoffs of bargaining unit members were rescinded. Design Techs assigned to engineering groups was a major factor in the rescission.

• MDA-UAW Local 571 leadership attended a meeting at the Mystic Marriott with U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, EB President John Casey, three rear admirals and local suppliers for Submarine construction. The meeting focused on preserving the submarine industrial base.

• Union signed a memo on the travel package for members going to Norfolk, VA to support the post Bravo trial work on the SSN 774 during July and August.

• The local was well represented at the Region 9A golf tournament held at Tallwoods Country Club located in Hebron, CT.

• The annual MDA-UAW Local 571 picnic was held at Lake Compounce on July 24th. The membership enjoyed rides and a great lunch buffet.

AUGUST

• President John Worobey and Financial Secretary Wayne Burgess met with 2nd District Congressman Rob Simmons concerning the Department of Labor changes to overtime laws.

• The Union signed a memo on Green Belt and Black Belt positions that included a wage supplement.

SEPTEMBER

• The 11th annual golf tournament was held at Cedar Ridge Golf Course. There were 128 participants with two shotgun starts. The tournament included a cookout and raffle.

• The membership approved a contract change to eliminate the $6.00 co-pay for the early retiree medical benefit.

• The company, MTC and MDA-UAW held a voter registration drive in various locations throughout the shipyard. Two hundred and ninety-four people registered during this drive.

OCTOBER

• MDA-UAW Local 571 Executive Council approved a $500.00 donation to the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket, RI.

• MDA-UAW Executive Council approved a $1,000.00 donation to the Union Community Fund to provide human service and relief to working families in Florida displaced and affected by recent hurricanes.

• President Jon Worobey thanked the MDA-UAW Local 571 retirees who attended the dedication of the new I-95 Nautilus sign.

• AFL-CIO Delegates interviewed candidates for the local elections.

• Local held a phone bank to encourage members to vote and enlighten them on the UAW endorsed candidates.

NOVEMBER

• The Union signed a memo for members who are eligible to receive prescription safety glasses.

• An informational meeting was held to explain the early retirement insurance options.

• The Annual MDA-UAW Local 571 Holiday Dinner Dance was held at the Mystic Marriott Hotel on November 27. Members in attendance enjoyed a great meal and dancing to 5 After 5.

DECEMBER

• Turkeys were distributed at the plant to all employees. All unclaimed turkeys were donated to local food banks.