Navy Shipbuilders' Union Okays Deal At Bath Iron Works

The largest union at Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works in Maine overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract, the union said Sunday, averting another strike like the one three years ago that contributed to delays in delivering ships, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Photo Insert: The deal was approved by 72% of Local S6 Bath Iron Works union members.

The contract, which takes effect Monday, raises pay a range of 2.6% to 9.6% in the first year with differences due to a mid-contract wage adjustment that already took effect for some workers, and will be followed by a 5% increase in the second year and 4% increase in the third.

Workers are receiving an increase in contributions to their national pension plan while health insurance costs will grow. The deal was approved by 72% of union members.

Machinists’ Union Local S6, which represents about 4,200 production workers, touted the biggest pay raises by percentage since the union’s founding in the 1950s.

“Local S6 would like to thank you for your vote and support as we continue to advocate for our members’ best interests and uphold the contract with the utmost dedication,” union leaders said to members in a post on their Facebook page Sunday. Bath Iron Work also hailed the deal.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic