Hundreds of designers, clerks and technicians went on strike Monday at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, one of the US Navy's largest shipbuilders. The Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association (BMDA) voted to reject the shipyard's proposed wage offer, leading to the walkout.
The union, which represents 627 workers, said the company's offer fails to address concerns over wages, insurance coverage and retirement income security. Union President Trent Vellella noted that General Dynamics continues to make record profits from their labour, and expressed disappointment that the company did not heed the recent statements by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who visited the shipyard in February to emphasise the need to boost defence manufacturing.
Bath Iron Works spokesperson David Hench said the company's proposal includes historic annual wage increases of 10.1% in the first year, followed by 4% in each of the next three years. The company plans to continue operations using salaried personnel, subcontractors and other employees who choose to work. The shipyard employs about 6,800 people in total.
The strike comes as the US intensifies its war effort in Iran. The BMDA is affiliated with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Members picketed outside the shipyard in cold, drizzly weather and said they would continue around the clock until a new contract is ratified.
Bath Iron Works, which has built naval ships for over a century, was awarded a multiyear contract in 2023 to build several Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, described as the backbone of the Navy's surface fleet. It remains unclear whether the strike will slow production.
