IAM Shipbuilders at BIW Ratify New Contract
May 22, 2012
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Members of Local S-6 in Bath, ME voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new contract with Bath Iron Works (BIW), securing an agreement that includes pension improvements and wage increases. In all, the economic package equals an increase of 6.145 percent in the first year and 11.25 percent over the four-year term of the accord.
Other enhancements include a $3,000 signing bonus, an increase in the employer’s contribution to the IAM Pension Fund and a six-month early retirement window for workers age 62 and older. The Negotiating Committee maintained current health care benefits with only modest increases to employee contributions beginning in 2013.
“The Negotiating Committee went to this round of talks prepared and focused,” said District 4 DBR Joe Flanders. “With the guidance and direction of ADBR David Sullivan, the Committee stayed on target and brought back a package that reflects the work and skill of the finest ship builders anywhere.”
“This contract provides our members and their families with a measure of economic stability that is simply not available to non-union households,” said Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. “Congratulations go to DBR Joe Flanders, his staff and the Local S6 Negotiating Committee on an industry-leading agreement to bring this negotiation to a successful conclusion.”
According to BIW representatives, the ratified contract improves the shipyard’s chances of securing additional work on the DDG-51 destroyers the Navy plans to purchase through fiscal 2017.
The new accord covers approximately 3,200 IAM members working at BIW shipyard including fitters, welders, painters, electricians, mechanics and other classifications.
