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BATH, Maine, Nov. 26, 2025 — IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local S6 members at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) recently held a gathering to honor the life of Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder and educator whose life was tragically cut short by a coworker’s violence on Nov. 11, 2025, in Cokato, Minn.
Czech, known for her skill and dedication to the trade, worked as a welder and spent her days off teaching the craft at her former high school. The Local S6 tribute underscored the urgent need for action against workplace violence and a renewed commitment to protecting women in the skilled trades.
IAM Union Local S6 and BIW welder Megan McCandless spearheaded the event, demonstrating leadership and compassion. Members gathered in the BIW shipyard for a visible display of support and solidarity for women in the trades.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works created a video of the tribute, featuring remarks from McCandless.
“I thought we had a responsibility through the company and the Union to shed light and recognize what happened in honor of Amber,” said McCandless. “We had women from the company and the Union coming together in honor of Amber Czech. It is a woman’s issue, and it is so important to have each other’s back in the workplace.”
“Amber was one of us, a young, talented welder who loved her craft and her community,” said IAM Union International President and Local S6 member Brian Bryant. “Her life was brutally stolen. This kind of workplace violence is a horror no family or coworker should ever have to endure. The IAM and Local S6 stand united in saying it will never be tolerated. We owe it to Amber, and to every worker, to fight for dignity, safety, and respect on the job.”
“Only six percent of women are welders in the U.S. trades workforce, which leaves far too many feeling isolated and vulnerable,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President and Local S6 member David Sullivan. “Amber should have had a long, successful career. The Eastern Territory is committed to ensuring that no worker ever feels isolated, threatened, or unsafe. Solidarity means stepping up for one another, and we will not fail.”
“No one should ever come to work fearing violence or harassment,” IAM Union Local S6 President Chris Williams. “Our union is a family that shows up for each other. This powerful tribute reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting everyone on the shop floor.”
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
