2009 Year in Review

The year 2009 starts with a move for some of our members, Triennial elections and the Company moves to implement a new Tobacco Free Policy. The Local had an apprenticeship class graduate and another year of the school-to-career program. With opportunities for more work coming to EB we look forward to the New Year with optimism.

JANUARY

• CVN/21 project moves to Norwich.

• Union files Grievance 025-08 change in medical coverage (concerning children of members age 21-26) without negotiating

FEBRUARY

• Renovation of the women’s bathroom to a handicap/unisex bathroom at Union Hall is completed.

• CVN/21 move to Norwich is completed.

• MDA-UAW members along with salaried employees loaded and moved 23,500 lbs / 12 tons of food for the Gemma Moran Food Bank at Foxwoods. The food will be given to those in our community who need it.

MARCH

• The United Way presents the MDA-UAW with a certificate of appreciation for their members continued support.

• The Trustees complete their semi-annual audit for the months of July through December 2008 and filed the appropriate paper work with the International.

APRIL

• The Company releases a letter from John Casey stating that EB is committed to achieving a tobacco free work place in Groton and its satellite facilities.

• The AFL-CIO Worker’s Memorial Ceremony was held at Washington Park in Groton, CT on April 28, 2008.

• The spring Day of Caring was held on April 25, 2009 at Camp Laurel Girl Scout camp, 47 volunteers show up to help set up tents and assemble cots.

MAY

• The company sponsored “It all counts raffle” had 25 union members winning prizes.

• Special General Membership was held on May 4, 2009 for the purpose of nominating eligible union members for the Triennial Elections of Executive Board Members and Members-at-large.

JUNE

• The Locals Scholarships Chairperson, Dee Hill, announced the six winners of the 2009 John F. Saffomilla and E. Roy Colville Scholarships. They are as follows Corrine Henk daughter of member John Henk, Normand Laflamme, son of member Albert Laflamme, Jeffery Li, son of member Graham Li, Brandy Morneau, daughter of member Paul Morneau, John Oswald, step-son of member Daniel Dyer and Andrew Sabetta, son of member Raymond Sabetta.

• UAW Region 9A 3RD Annual Charity Golf Tournament was held June 14th, 2009 at the Stanley Golf Course in New Britain CT. Local 571 had four winners; Steven Mulhern, Frank Scussel, Bill Capalbo and Robert Palmer.

• The Local had 38 MDA-UAW members graduate from the Apprenticeship Program. Those members receiving awards were Marcus Ladia, O.P. Robinson Award, Edward Roczniak and Velma Oliver the Outstanding MDA-UAW Awards. Outstanding Achievements Awards Sturctual Design Michael May, Electrical Design Edward Roczniak, Mechanical Design Wilson J. Balonos and Piping Design Elsie Irizarry.

• For the 20th consecutive year, Flag Day buttons were distributed to the membership.

• The newly elected Executive Board Members take their elected positions. President Robert Canova thanked Paul Losacano for his many years of devoted service to the Union.

• Second Vice President Tracy A. Nickerson attends the 4-week session of the 2009 Fellowship and LUDL program at the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Center at Black Lake in Onaway, MI.

• The Union, MTC and Company meet at the Mystic Marriott to discuss making EB a tobacco free workplace. January 1, 2010 is the date.

JULY

• The School-to-Career program was kicked off with the 14 high school students, their mentors, and the company and union officers meeting to give an overview and explain expectations of the program.

AUGUST

• The Retirees held their annual summer picnic luncheon at the Groton Elks Club.

• The Trustees completed the semi annual audit for January – June 2009 and filed the appropriate paper work with the International.

SEPTEMBER

• At the September General Membership Meeting By-Laws are presented for amendment and passed. They are Article XIII Councillors and Grievance Reps, Article XI General Election for Executive Office and Article III Finances and Expenses.

• The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited EB on September 23, 2009 for a tour of the shipyard with EB management, MTC and MDA-UAW leadership.

• Four officers attend the UAW Region 9A Leadership Conference in Hyannis, MA.

• Financial Secretary Wayne Burgess is honored at the Connecticut AFL-CIO Convention as the 2009 recipient of the Albert Casale Community Services Award winner.

• The 16th Annual Pete Johnson Golf Day was held at the Cedar Ridge Golf Course in East Lyme, CT.

OCTOBER

• The installations of the new oil tank and sewer line at the Union Hall are completed.

• The second shift for CVNX at Norwich comes to an end.

• The Day of Caring was held painting at the Riverfront Children’s Center and at a retire MDA-UAW members home light raking, pruning and cleaning gutters.

• President Robert Canova, Treasurer William Louis, Veterans Committee Chairman Dave Bliven and committee member Ed Novak. Attend the 1st Annual We Soldier on Award Dinner in Holyoke MA.

• The Union hands out apprenticeship jackets to the apprentices who graduated from the program this year.

NOVEMBER

• First Vice President William Giustini and Recording Secretary James M. Hanrahan attend UAW Region 9A CAP Council meeting at the region office in Farmington, CT.

• The Binders ordered for the membership by the New Hire Committee arrives at the Union Hall.

DECEMBER

• The Annual MDA-UAW Local 571 Holiday Dinner Dance was held at the Groton Motor Inn on December 5, 2009.

• The MDA-UAW Local 571 Retiree Holiday luncheon was held at the Groton Inn & Suites, Groton, CT.

• Turkeys were distributed at the plant to all employees. All unclaimed turkeys were donated to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/ Labor Food Center.