BIW design, technical workers ratify union contract
File Photo / Tim Greenway
Bath Iron Works has been awarded a contract with the U.S. Navy.
Unionized design and technical workers at Bath Iron Works have ratified a new four-year contract with the shipyard, calling for higher wages, expanded insurance benefits and additional work scheduling options.
Members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association Local 3999 ratified the new contract by a 72% majority vote.
The BMDA, part of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, represents about 680 members, the majority of whom work in Maine. They perform the design, configuration and data management, laboratory testing and production support for U.S. Navy ships.
“With the support and solidarity of the membership, we were able to engage in positive, direct, and transparent negotiations with BIW — resulting in a contract that provides several significant improvements without any concessions,” said Trent Vellella, president of the BMDA.
Under the new agreement, the marine design and technical workers will receive a 3% general wage increase each year, cost-of-living adjustments, increased company contributions to the 401(k) plan and other benefits.
“Over the past year, the BMDA and BIW have both focused on improving the company and labor relationship, and I believe this contract shows what is possible when both sides truly come to the table in good-faith to work through difficult issues,” said Vellella.
BIW, owned by General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), employs about 7,400 workers and is one of Maine's largest employers.
“We are pleased to have a new collective bargaining agreement with the BMDA. This agreement will support our critical mission of designing, constructing, and supporting the U.S. Navy’s surface combatant fleet,” BIW spokesman David Hench said.
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