Late yesterday, the negotiating committees for General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge S6 (LS6) reached tentative agreement (TA) for a new collective bargaining agreement. The TA, which would serve as a successor to the contract between BIW and LS6 covering over 4,000 employees that expired June 22, would extend agreement between the parties until August 20, 2023.
The agreement addresses the use of subcontractors as well as several work rules that will allow the parties to work together to accelerate BIW’s schedule performance while also increasing employment stability. The TA also includes an economic package with 3% wage increases in each year and continuation of existing benefits to include healthcare plans and a pension. LS6 members will vote on the TA in the coming weeks.
“We worked hand-in-hand with the union negotiating committee to ensure that we addressed the concerns of our valued employees,” said BIW president Dirk Lesko. “We are hopeful they will return to work soon so we can get on with our important mission of building ships for the U.S. Navy.”
“We appreciate the hard work of all who contributed to this effort, including both the BIW and LS6 negotiating committees as well as the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services, who will continue to work with both parties to implement the agreement when it is ratified,” said Lesko. “This agreement, coupled with our hiring initiatives and major investments in facilities and production processes, positions BIW and LS6 to partner together to improve schedule performance, restore the yard’s competitiveness and ensure Bath Built remains Best Built for generations to come.”