BIW and union negotiators reach agreement on terms to end strike
Written by Nick Blenkey
No more picket signs outside Bath Iron Works after nera 10-week lon strike ends
General Dynamics announced today that the negotiating teams from Bath Iron Works and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local S6 reached agreement Friday night on mutually acceptable terms to end the ongoing strike by shipyard workers in Bath, Me. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service deputy director Rich Giacolone and IAM International President Robert Martinez helped to facilitate the tentative agreement.
“We are pleased to have reached agreement with our union partners and look forward to getting back to the job of building ships for the U.S. Navy,” said Phebe Novakovic, chairman and chief executive officer. “We greatly appreciate the assistance of Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Peter Navarro and AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department President Jimmy Hart for their help in bringing the parties together.”
About 4,300 members of the Local S6 have been on strike since June 22. The agreement is subject to ratification vote by the union’s members.
Local S6 posted a leadership alert on its website Saturday that said, in part:
“This process was emotional, difficult, and frustrating for both parties. Being able to reach a tentative agreement to bring back to our membership that keeps our subcontracting language unchanged, continues to protect seniority, and attain a modest economic package is what we were able to do.
“We believe this agreement gives BIW the tools they need to have, and the ability to respond to the unpredictability of their day to day needs. This was a testament to the power of collective bargaining and a strong educated unit that backed the Local S6 Negotiating Committee. Solidarity, hard work, and dedication gave us the ability to push forward in a seemingly unwinnable fight. We are proud of our members who stood strong.”
You can read the full local S6 post, which gives an outline of some of the terms negotiated HERE
Categories: News, Shipyard News
