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IAM Local S6 Members voted to accept a new three-year contract with Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics in Maine.
IAM Local S6 members build the U.S. Navy’s advanced fleet of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and maintain the Navy’s Independence-class littoral combat ship.
The most significant pay increase in nearly 70 years, the 4,200 IAM-represented workers can expect an average pay range of 2.6% and 9.6% in the first year due to a mid-contract wage adjustment already in effect for a portion of workers. Additionally, the second year provides for a 5% increase, followed by a 4% increase in the third and final year.
Other highlights of the three-year accord include:
“The membership here at Local S6 was present through these negotiations and voiced their concerns. The negotiating team took these concerns and crafted an agreement,” said Local S6 President Christopher Williams. “The membership voted to accept the offer, and now we focus on returning to shipbuilding.”
Voting began online Friday and concluded on Sunday, with 72% of the membership voting to accept. Helping the negotiations move along were both sides agreeing there would be no attempts at sub-contracting. A tenuous position for the IAM as sub-contracting was the boiling point for a strike in 2020.
“Our membership has always delivered for Bath Iron Works, and both sides worked to ensure a fair and equitable contract,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice-President David Sullivan. I couldn’t be prouder of the work accomplished by the negotiating team and the members for engaging in the process to secure a good contract.”
“A secure solid contract ensures that this work continues in Maine, built by Machinists to keep our nation’s military safe and mission ready,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I am proud of the IAM Local S6 members for standing strong and fighting for a fair contract. Their solidarity and determination have paid off. It is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and gives hope to workers in the shipbuilding industry everywhere.”
The new agreement takes effect on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.
