Union president reveals reason for strike at Bath Iron Works
By Jamie Azulay
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BATH, Maine (WMTW) — Members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association were joined by their president, Trent Vellella, on the picket line Monday. More than 600 workers with the UAW Local 3999 started a labor strike at midnight after voting to reject the “best and final offer” from General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works (BIW) on Sunday.
The company offered what they consider a “historic annual wage increase” with a total compounding wage growth of 23.8% over the 4-year contract period. Vellella said that offer is below the national average for this line of work.
“We’re trying to address the livable wage issue in Maine,” he said. “I think everyone knows that prices have increased, and the cost of living in Maine has increased.” Union leadership is also considering health insurance and retirement income security.
Vellella said, “Our members are concerned about increased deductible and out-of-pocket maximums.” However, BIW wrote in a statement that their proposal includes health insurance rates that are “significantly below market.”
BIW also noted the preservation of work from home, flexible workweek and vacation purchase opportunities. Vellella said the purpose of their strike is not to bash the company; it is to support the workers who are eager to be back on the job.
“We all just want to get back to work, continue supporting the U.S. Navy,” he said. This strike comes about a month and a half after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Bath and praised those employees for their work.
In a written statement released by the union, Vellella said, “We had hoped the Company took to heart the statements made by Secretary Hegseth here at GD BIW on February 9th because our membership certainly did.”
During that visit, Secretary Hegseth said, “To your leadership, like I say to all leadership, invest in your plants and invest in your people.” Vellella specifically appreciated Hegseth’s comments about corporations in the defense industry.
“No more excuses,” Hegseth said. “No more barriers to entry. No more monopolies. No more egregious executive bonuses. No more stock buybacks. No more ridiculous CEO salaries.”
Vellella said, “Secretary Hegseth has made it clear that the administration has taken attention to the fact that corporations, particularly in the defense industry, are paying more attention to the shareholders than they are to the employees that generate those profits.”
Negotiations between the union and BIW are expected to pick back up Monday evening. The company wrote in a statement they are “continuing to negotiate in good faith with the BMDA to explore opportunities to better align company and union objectives. “
BIW has a page for negotiation updates available on their website.
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