JULY 2007  LABOR VIEWS 

We extend our deepest sympathy to Arthur Robidoux whose stepson, 1st Lieutenant Keith N. Heidtman, died on May 28, 2007, defending our country. It seemed inevitable that the war in Iraq would affect us locally, and now it has in this shocking, tragic way. Keith was a pilot who had attended high school at NFA, and he was a graduate of UCONN. What a horrific loss of a young man who had so much to offer his community. Please offer your thoughts and prayers for Arthur and his family as they grieve the loss of a serviceman who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Service awards to members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners for the month of July were presented to:

Edward Delaney 35 yrs.
Catherine Marceau 30 yrs.

NEW STEWARD: At the June 14, 2007, Union meeting nominations and an election were held for a steward in the Graving Dock area. Ron Hundt won that position. One of the duties of a steward is to be available to help one’s fellow workers. Sometimes issues come to the attention of a steward when it’s not a convenient time for that steward, and he may have to drop what he’s doing to deal with an issue immediately. I feel that we have dependable stewards who do a good job of representing their Union brothers and sisters on all shifts. I believe that Ron Hundt will be an asset to the members whom he serves. Congratulations, Ron.


ROAD JOBS: As I mentioned in last month’s Labor Views, road work has slowed down for the Carpenter Department to the point where we only have a few people in Norfolk. We continue to have more work than we have carpenters in our shipyard for the summer months. We also have over a hundred other trades versatized in our department. Seeing that we have so many other tradespeople doing our work in Groton, I feel the need for our members to stay home and support this work rather than having additional tradespeople versatized into our department. 

STAGING JOB: The Union had to fight to get the staging job on the 774 boat. We were complimented by the Company on the work that we did there and the time that we completed it in. I just want to mention that this was a job that the Company and some of our own supervisors in our department didn’t think we could do. To his credit, Skip Castro supported the carpenters and agreed that we could do that staging job. How many other jobs were subbed out without giving us the opportunity to complete the work? I would like to thank all of the carpenters who worked to stage the 774 boat. These carpenters have made the Union proud.

RAISES: For members who were laid-off and recalled, who are in the process of receiving raises, you will need to let your steward know when your raise was due. Apparently Human Resources doesn’t have the names of people who are in the process of receiving raises in their system. 

BASEBALL GAME: In the past two years the Union has sponsored a cook-out and a ball game at Dodd stadium. Steve Adams is looking into making arrangements for the third annual event. August 4 and August 18 are the Saturday evenings that are possible dates for the game. When details are confirmed, I will post that information on the area bulletin boards. 


Has your doctor recommended that you take a daily low dose aspirin? Did you know that you can receive these aspirin from the yard hospital free?? I recommend that you visit the yard hospital and ask about this benefit that is available.


The next Union meeting will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2007, at 2:45pm in the Union Hall at 171 Thames Street in Groton.