APRIL
2001
2001
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APRIL
2001 |
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Plant closed, but skills center moved to union hall
“I have a computer at home. But it wasn’t much good to me until I learned how to use it properly. Now it’s very rewarding to know what I’m doing,” said UAW Local 626 retiree Richard Bazernas. And computers are wonderful tools. But if you’re over 60, they can look like overwhelming challenges. However, thanks to the UAW-GM agreement, the retirees of UAW Local 626 in Bristol, Conn., are meeting that challenge, said Mark Liburdi, president of Local 712/626, a merged local created after GM closed its New Departure operations in Bristol. When General Motors left in 1995, it seemed that all educational activities once held in the plant were gone, too. But the union and management decided to relocate the plant skills center to the local union hall. With a federal grant and help of the Center for Human Resources, they started a retraining and education center for the dislocated workers, which eventually evolved into the current program. And what a program it is. Under the guidelines of the national agreement, the center teaches classes for retirees--many in their 70s and 80s. Now they are acquiring computer skills and loving every minute of it. They learn the ins and outs of computers from basic introductory courses to more advanced classes. “Now that we know how to use the Internet, my wife and I are going to get into genealogy and do our family tree,” said retiree Russell Soucie. “I love the program. I feel so good coming to the classes. I never want to miss a thing,” said retiree Olivine Hooper. “This opportunity is a godsend. I appreciate it more than words can say,” said former union officer Willie Eldridge. Since 1995 nearly 300 retirees have taken courses at the union hall. These classes have renewed their interest and involvement in local union meetings and activities.
Retiree Barbara Ouellette and her husband needed to make sure that their only child, Kevin, who has special needs, would be taken care of after they die. Oullette’s financial planning instructor referred them to a nearby attorney who specializes in those matters. With help from the attorney, they put together a plan that will take care of Kevin for the rest of his life. “You have no idea how much of a relief this was for us. We worried about this for many years. We could never find the right person to help us set up the plan. But thanks to this program, we can feel confident that Kevin will be OK. We really appreciate this help,” said Oullette. The on-site administrator and retiree chairman, J. Roger Chasse, has seen the success of this program as well. “Over 50 percent of the students have purchased their own computers. They are getting good use out of them, too,” said Chasse. “We are grateful to President Steve Yokich and Vice President Dick Shoemaker for convincing GM that this is a great use of training funds,” said Chasse. “We also want to thank UAW Region 9A Director Phil Wheeler, who is always ready to guide us along. We were the first local union to go this route, and at times it was a daunting challenge, but what a payoff.”
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