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SAN DIEGO, Sept. 17, 2026 — IAM Union members at General Dynamics NASSCO have ratified a strong new three-year collective bargaining agreement covering more than 800 shipbuilders in San Diego with massive wage and benefit gains.
The agreement delivers a 10% wage increase in the first year, followed by increases of 5% in the second year and 4% in the third year – raising wages by nearly 20% over the life of the contract.
The new contract also includes significant retirement improvements, including an increase in the 401(k) contribution to 5% and an increase in the pension multiplier to $57. Members also secured an additional floating holiday and stronger language covering attendance, seniority, life insurance, and disability benefits.
Additional economic gains include a $2 increase in working preman pay and a $1 increase in leadman pay.
The agreement maintains the current employee cost share for the Kaiser HMO/EPO, Kaiser HSA and alternative health plans. Under the SIMNSA plan, the company will pay 95% of the cost, with employees contributing 5%.
“This contract recognizes the skill, sacrifice, and essential work of IAM members who build the ships that support our national security and strengthen America’s maritime capabilities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Our members stood together throughout this campaign, and their solidarity produced meaningful improvements in wages, retirement security, benefits and workplace protections.”
The ratification followed a months-long internal organizing and mobilization campaign led by IAM Local 389 and IAM District 947. During the campaign, membership within the NASSCO bargaining unit grew from approximately 21% to more than 67%, significantly strengthening workers’ collective voice at the negotiating table.
“This agreement lays a strong foundation for the contracts still to come at NASSCO,” said IAM Western Territory Special Representative Luis Silvas. “As more workers become IAM members and our union density continues to grow, so does our leverage at the bargaining table. This contract shows what solidarity can achieve, and we will keep building that strength to win even more for NASSCO shipbuilders in the future.”
“This outcome belongs to the members who organized, attended meetings, participated in workplace actions, and supported their negotiating committee every step of the way,” said IAM District 947 President and Directing Business Representative Sal Vasquez. “They proved that when workers become members, get involved, and remain united, they can win a contract that moves everyone forward.”
IAM District 947 Business Representative William “Billy” Corona helped lead the internal organizing campaign and supported the committee throughout negotiations.
“Our members built the strength that made this agreement possible,” said Corona. “They talked with their coworkers, grew the union inside the shipyard and showed the company that NASSCO shipbuilders were prepared to stand together. That unity gave the committee the power it needed to secure real gains at the table.”
The IAM negotiating committee included NASSCO shipbuilders and IAM members Adrian Contreras and Armando Ybhoa, who brought their coworkers’ priorities and experiences directly to the bargaining table.
The negotiating team also received support from IAM District 947 Organizer Alberto Delfin, who played a key role in the internal organizing and mobilization efforts that strengthened member participation and solidarity throughout the campaign.
“We are proud of what NASSCO shipbuilders accomplished together,” said the Negotiating Committee. “Our members made their priorities clear, stood behind their committee, and stood in solidarity throughout negotiations. This contract delivers substantial wage increases, stronger retirement benefits, and important language improvements that will make a real difference for our members and their families.”
IAM members at NASSCO build critical auxiliary and support ships for the U.S. Navy, as well as oil tankers and dry-cargo carriers for commercial markets. Their highly skilled work supports U.S. national defense and strengthens the nation’s maritime and shipbuilding industries.
The ratified agreement reflects the growing strength and solidarity of IAM Local 389 members and their commitment to building a stronger future for every NASSCO shipbuilder.
