Production workers strike against major Navy shipbuilder

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By DAVID SHARP

BATH, Maine (AP) — More than 4,000 workers went on strike against one of the Navy’s largest shipbuilders Monday after rejecting a three-year contract. It was the first strike by production workers at Bath Iron Works in 20 years.

Pickets formed at midnight when the old contract expired in a dispute that focused on subcontracting, work rules and seniority over wages and benefits.

Bath Iron Works already had fallen six months behind on ship construction, partly due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the strike threatened to further delay production of destroyers for the U.S. Navy, the company said.

The three-year contract proposal would have given production workers a 3% raise each year. But the shipbuilders’ union objected to more than a dozen changes that it considered to be concessions — including hiring subcontractors.



Shipbuilders picket outside an entrance to Bath Iron Works, Monday, June 22, 2020, in Bath, Maine. Thousands of workers went on strike against one of the Navy’s largest shipbuilders Monday after rejecting a three-year contract. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)


Read more: https://apnews.com/7a654287d48e17a7fe55f60305b8a5b0

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. I empathize with them, but wish they were wearing masks on the picket line.

They work on vehicles that float, I worked on vehicles with wheels.

Best of luck busting the contracting/outsourcing.

I hope the Navy is demanding on-time completion of the ships, to put pressure on the company.