BATH, Maine — More than 600 workers at a major U.S. Navy shipbuilding facility in Maine launched a strike Monday following failed contract negotiations over compensation and benefits.
Members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association walked off the job at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works after voting down the company’s latest wage proposal during weekend deliberations. The union represents 627 employees at the century-old shipyard that has manufactured naval vessels in Bath for over 100 years.
The labor action comes just weeks following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the facility, where he emphasized the importance of expanding defense manufacturing capabilities. The strike also coincides with escalating U.S. military operations involving Iran.
According to union officials, the shipyard’s proposal fails to adequately address worker concerns regarding pay scales, health insurance benefits, and pension security.
“We had hoped the company took to heart the statements made by Secretary Hegseth here at GD BIW on February 9th because, our membership certainly did,” stated union President Trent Vellella in an email, adding that General Dynamics “continues to make record profits off our labor.”
Bath Iron Works spokesperson David Hench said the company engaged in three weeks of negotiations but could not reach agreement on a new labor contract. Hench described the company’s offer as including “historic annual wage increases” of 10.1% in year one, followed by 4% raises in each subsequent year through the four-year deal.
The shipyard announced plans to maintain operations during the strike using management staff, contractors, and other workers who choose to report for duty. Hench noted the facility employs approximately 6,800 people total.
“The company is continuing to negotiate in good faith with the BMDA to explore opportunities to better align company and union objectives,” Hench said in his statement.
The striking union is part of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, commonly called the UAW, which ranks among the nation’s largest labor organizations. BMDA members work in roles including design, nondestructive testing, technical administration, laboratory work, and associate engineering positions.
Workers established picket lines outside the shipyard Monday despite cold, wet weather conditions. Union members indicated they plan continuous picketing operations until a new contract is approved.
Bath Iron Works serves as a primary Navy shipbuilder and received a multi-year agreement in 2023 to construct multiple Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Navy leadership has characterized the Arleigh Burke guided missile destroyer as the “backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet.” The service added another destroyer to the contract through an option exercised last year.
Company representatives have not yet addressed whether the strike will impact production schedules.
