BUSINESS AGENTS MESSAGE:

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Happy Monday, everyone, I wanted to get a few things out to you all. 

 

There was a directive from Jordan to get the overtime equalized ASAP. the first thing that went out was a list, in 4 groups of people who would not be able to work overtime so that they could get the hours in range. The first group would start this week, the next group would be added the next week, the third group, the next and the last group added in the last week. That would mean that the first group would go 4 weeks with no overtime, the second group would go 3 weeks with no overtime and so on. We went to Jordan and said that this was a horrible way of doing things. He would be punishing the people who worked the most. So, he agreed to not do the waves in consecutive weeks. That way no mechanic or semi-skilled member goes more than a week without overtime. Probationary people will see a reduction in their overtime just long enough to get equalized. Once the hours are within the 24-hour range, called for by the contract, we will go back to full on overtime. Just know, nobody is losing out here. The people who were way out of range should have never been allowed to get that much farther ahead than everyone else. We told the company all the way back in September of 2025 that they needed to get in range and they didn't. That is why we had to cite the overtime and why we didn't zero out the hours. Overtime has to be fair for everyone. We will be going back to full overtime right after we get equal. Everyone will still be on the overtime list; the company just won't be offering a lot of overtime until it's fixed. That way, in case there is an emergency, someone with a lot of hours could still work if needed. Just remember, if you are high and they bring you in for an emergency, you will have to sit out a future week. 

 

I am being told by facilities manager, Ken Cournoyer that they will be posting for 2 full-time mechanics to work facilities on 2nd shift. This posting will be going up very soon. If you are interested in working facilities on 2nd shift, make sure that you are checking for the posting. This is a great opportunity to actually do carpenter work full time. There is an interview process. You would not be switching unions so even though your badge might read department 501, you would still have your seniority in local 1302.

 

I am also being told that Groton OPS training will be posting for positions in the carpenter department. Anyone interested in teaching please keep checking the job lists. these are great jobs to get someone off of the boat. Same scenario as above, your department would change but you would still be in local 1302.

 

Everyone will be getting a mailing from AIL (American Income Life) This is a union company supporting union members. This is the free $2,500 life insurance that we got. You have to do nothing for this insurance. If you would like to have more free stuff, like a will kit, Health services discount program, child safe kit and a couple of other things, you will have to send a card back in. You are under no obligation to buy anything to get those free things. If you would like to hear more, they will set up a zoom meeting to go over more of what they offer. If you aren't interested, just say that you are not interested. If, for some reason, the person persists let me know and I will take it up with their boss. All I would need you to do is get the person's name. We got this last year and, for the most part, got favorable reviews. there were a couple of salesmen that needed to get put in their place but once that was ironed out, everything went smoothly.

 

The United Way giving campaign is in full swing. The times to go will be sent to all of management. When it is your time to go, please go and watch the video and listen to the presenters. We are all very lucky to be where we are. Some people have no idea where their next meal will come from. If you have never given before, even a quarter a week would help. A dollar a week is only $52 a year. 

 

I hope you all have a safe and happy week ahead. As always, if you need anything or have concerns about something, don't hesitate to contact one of your union officials.....   Jerry