FLEXIBLE WORK WEEK:
Last month, the BMDA Executive Board submitted a request to the Company asking them to entertain an MOA for unlimited 4x10 in an effort to help with increased fuel costs.

TRANSFERS AND HIRES FROM LAYOFF:
We have also been working with the Company to develop an MOA which would allow employees from other bargaining units that are either hired from layoff or transferred into the BMDA to do so without receiving a pay cut. We are currently waiting for an answer from the Company on our proposal.

OTHER NEWS AND INFORMATION

DDG 1000 Congressional Update:
On Friday, May 9th, the BMDA, UAW Local 3999 Union office received a phone call from Mark Ouellette, Congressman Allen’s Chief of Staff, updating us on the not-so-good news coming out of Washington.

He notified the Union that the House side of Congress voted not to fully fund the third DDG 1000 ship. The Navy is looking at cost overruns and may instead request two DDG 51 class of ships, replacing the third DDG 1000.

Mr. Ouellette stated that the work load would remain the same under either scenario. However, the BMDA pointed out that is not the case as the design for the DDG 51’s is complete. Therefore, there would not be the requirement for the same number of designers that are currently employed on the DDG 1000 Program.

The BMDA plans to have further discussions with Senator Collins and Snowe along with Congressman Michaud explaining the impact on the BMDA members if the third DDG 1000 ship is not funded.

$1,600 $1,600 $1,600
The bonus checks are due out on May 15, 2008.

Whether you decide to use it to pay bills, buy fuel, purchase an item or save it, the BMDA Executive Board hopes that all of you find a way to enjoy it.

P.S. Performance Incentive Award Program MOA – The E-Board has recently been told by the Company that we are on track to receive at the least the Level 1, $750, payout for DDG 104 in July 2008.

UAW GD Council
The UAW/GD Council met in Cleveland, OH from Sunday, April 20 thru Wednesday, April 23. Attending from L3999 were Jim McCourt, Bruce Beaulieu, Darlene Molboski and Bev Harris.

Most of the locals represented at the council seem to have increasing workloads and are continuing to hire, but not to the extent that the Marine Division is hiring.

We are continuing our efforts to keep all design work within the UAW/GD group. We were approached by the president of Local 412 who have two units of designers employed at Chrysler. They currently have 83 designers on layoff status. We have made a connection between them and Chip Faulter. Hopefully, some of those laid off designers will be able to fill some of our open requisitions. Electric Boat is still hiring as well.

The Council was addressed by upper management of the Land Systems Division as usual. For the first time, we also had people from the Marine Division. Kevin Gildart, VP of Human Resources, BIW and Bob Nardone, VP of Human Resources, EB, both gave in-depth and informative presentations on the state of the business at their respective companies. The council really enjoyed their presentations as it gave them a clear insight into the products that we produce.

19th Hull Outfit/BMDA-UAW Local 3999 Golf Tournament:
Friday, June 13, 2008
Fairlawn Golf Course
Poland, ME

Shotgun Tee-off at 9:00 A.M.

$40.00 per person

Includes: 18 holes of golf, golf cart and prizes

Top four (4) BMDA members will qualify to go and represent Local 3999 at the Region 9A UAW Charity Golf Tournament in New Britain, CT on June 22, 2008

For more information or a copy of a registration form contact the BMDA Recreation Committee:

D. Beaulieu X-5682
Donna Matthews X-5503
Dawn Brown X-1707
Max Lindley X-1091
Mary Cunningham X-2041
Norma Blais X-1140
Jason Miller X-2008
Larry Thibeault X-1001

Save the Date:
BMDA, UAW Local 3999 1st Annual B-B-Q
Saturday, August 9, 2008
White’s Beach
Brunswick, ME

Watch for Additional Information!!