Bath Iron Works Strike Ends as Employees Approve New Contract

Hundreds of employees at Bath Iron Works, a major U.S. Navy shipbuilding contractor, voted on Saturday to approve a contract agreement, ending a weeklong strike. The Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, which is effective immediately.

Bath Iron Works stated its intent to work with the union to deliver Navy ships on schedule.

The shipyard and the union had negotiated for three weeks before the strike commenced the previous Monday. According to the shipyard, it had offered various wage and benefit options during negotiations.

Union Details

The Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association is affiliated with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association at Bath Iron Works hold roles such as designers, nondestructive test technicians, technical clerks, laboratory technicians, and associate engineers.

The union indicated that while not all goals were achieved, the deal includes improvements for workers, providing a better contract foundation and developing an engaged membership for future negotiations or organizing. Specifics of the agreement were not disclosed.

Broader Context

The strike occurred several weeks after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the necessity of boosting defense manufacturing. Bath Iron Works was awarded a multiyear contract in 2023 to construct several Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, which are considered a critical part of the Navy's surface fleet. The company did not comment on whether the strike impacted production. The shipyard's total workforce consists of approximately 6,800 individuals.