The Need to Know Newsletter
 President's Report
Denny Wilderson
President,S.E.A.
Vice President, F.I.S.U.
Office: 410-551-0041
Cell: 443-540-7996
President’s Message
February, 2010
Last year was a busy one with contract negotiations and elections occupying most
of our time. We were fortunate to have been able to negotiate a contract that
provided pension security to our more senior members, while enhancing such
benefits as vacation for our newer members. Our six (6) year contract will
supply us with 20.5 % in general wage increases and eleven (11) cost-of-living
adjustments. Stabilization of Health Care costs was also a major concern going
into negotiations, and we were able to minimize the impact over the term of the
contract. These costs are provided in our contract and every member will be
provided with a copy of the agreement. More information will be provided by the
company and union as our new enrollment period approaches.
Scholarship applications will be available online and at the union office in the
second week of February. Applications must be received by March 31, with no
exceptions. Applicants should be sure to answer all questions. Our committee
will review the applications, and scholarships should be awarded in April. Our
annual scholarship fundraiser will once again be a golf outing at Compass Pointe
on Saturday, June 5.
I would like to thank all of our past and present union representatives for
their willingness to serve our union. Attendance at our union meetings continues
to impress me. Our meetings serve as a forum to learn about current events that
concern our members, and as a tool for our representatives to share information
with others. Each representative should have received a Representative Manual.
If you have not received one, please contact your Plant Representative. All
members are welcome on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00pm. Please stop
by to see our new hall, and to meet other S.E.A. members.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the union membership rate for 2009
was 12.3%. This rate was almost unchanged from 12.4% in 2008. The rate takes
into account the overall drop in employment due to the economic downturn. We, as
union members, are fortunate to have the ability to negotiate our benefits. Many
non-represented employees throughout industry are forced to accept what their
company forces upon them, while corporate executives continue to reward
themselves at the expense of the employees, and the public.
We at Northrop Grumman are fortunate to be working in an industry that has
prospered, while others have not been so lucky. Our success depends on each of
us to continue to provide the expertise needed to supply quality products.
Programs such as the 9/80 work week have also made it easier for us to improve
on our ability to be at work.
I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead, and I am also looking
forward to meeting those of you that I have not had an opportunity to meet yet.
Have a great 2010!
Fraternally,
Dennis B. Wilderson Sr.
President, S.E.A.
Vice President, F.I.S.U.
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Federation of Independent Salaried Unions