Shipbuilders ready to begin voting on 3-year pact in Maine
Source: AP
By DAVID SHARP
BATH, Maine (AP) The largest union at Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works begins voting Friday on a contract proposal that was unanimously rejected by its negotiating committee, raising the possibility of the first strike in 20 years.
Shipbuilders from Machinists Union Local S6 would see a 9% pay raise over three years under the proposal, but theyre digging in over what they view as concessions on subcontracting, work rules and seniority.
Workers are disgruntled after they said they made concessions in the last contract to win a lucrative Coast Guard contract. Another contractor was awarded that contract.
The unions negotiating committee issued a statement Thursday calling the contract offer garbage and accusing the company president of deceitful, dishonest, despicable, unprofessional and relentless efforts to destroy the union. The president contends the company negotiated in good faith.
FILE - In this April 3, 2020 file photo, workers leave Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works after a shift in Bath, Maine. The largest union at Bath Iron Works begins voting Friday, June 19, 2020 on a contract proposal that was unanimously rejected by its negotiating committee, raising the possibility of the first strike in 20 years. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
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