On Strike! Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association Rejects Company Offer

Update: On Saturday, March 28, BMDA members voted to ratify a new contract with BIW, ending the strike. Thank you to all who showed their solidarity on the picket line!

The Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association (UAW Local 3999) is on strike! The BMDA membership voted Saturday to reject the proposed General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works’ “best and final offer” because it does not sufficiently address real member priorities—including wages that are lower than the national average, affordable insurance, and retirement income security. Picketing began at 12:01 AM this morning.

“General Dynamics continues to make record profits off our labor and gives away billions every year through stock buybacks and dividends while many of our members live paycheck to paycheck," said Trent Vellella, President of BMDA. "With this Company proposal, General Dynamics is continuing to show that corporate earnings per share are more important than our members’ earning per pay period.”

If you are able, please come show your support on the picket line for the 627 BMDA members who work as Designers, Non-Destructive Test Technicians, Technical Clerks, Laboratory Technicians, and Associate Engineers at GD Bath Iron Works! Come to any picket location along Washington Avenue in Bath. Parking options include public street parking in downtown Bath, near the BMDA union hall at 259 Front Street, or at the Marine Museum at 243 Washington Street. Rovers will be shuttling people to and from parking areas.

In the News:

• WMTW: Bath Iron Works workers begin strike after rejecting contract offer (Mar. 23)
• News Center Maine: Bath Iron Works workers' union begins strike (Mar. 23)
• Bangor Daily News: BIW union on strike after failed contract negotiations (Mar. 23)
• Maine Public: Bath Iron Works employees strike after rejecting contract offer (Mar. 23)
• NBC 10 Boston: Hundreds go on strike at major Navy shipbuilder in Maine over wages and benefits (Mar. 23)