BIW to lay off 39, face tax deal opponents
Bath Iron Works plans to lay off 39 pipefitters on Nov. 18, which the shipyard attributed due to fluctuations in its workload. The layoffs might be averted if the workers are rehired for different jobs.
The Bangor Daily News reported the latest layoffs would put the number of union members handed pink slips at nearly 100 since Labor Day. Jim DeMartini, the shipyard’s spokesman, told the paper that BIW employed 5,450 people as of Oct. 27, which he said is 200 more — without regard to whether they are salaried, union members or tradesmen — than as of Jan. 1.
Separately the Portland Press Herald reported the shipyard is facing local opposition to its jockeying for a new tax increment financing deal that it says will help to construct a $32 million outfitting hall. The company says the expansion will make it more competitive and safe for workers and that the expansion might not happen without the tax break that would amount to around $250,000 annually over 25 years. Critics, who have formed the Bath Citizens for Responsible TIF Action, told the paper they question whether the subsidy is necessary for the company to expand and argue the deal amounts to corporate welfare.
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