BIW Draftsmen agree to new four-year contract, ending strike

After a week-long strike, members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association voted Saturday to ratify a new four year agreement with Bath Iron Works.

Trent Vellella, president of BMDA-UAW Local 3999, said in a statement after the vote that while the changes made to the contract since it was last rejected did not achieve all of the campaign’s goals, the improvements “do represent a win” for union members.

BIW spokesperson David Hench said in a statement Saturday, “We look forward to working together once again to deliver the Navy’s ships on time to protect our nation and our families.” 

The labor group had been pushing for a contract that increased pay, provided affordable health insurance and offered retirement income security. 

The offer put forward earlier this week included annual wage increases amounting to 28% over the four-year contract. The proposal also included a choice of three health insurance plans, a company-funded contribution to their health savings account, and preservation of work from home, Hench said.

Vellella said the contract negotiating committee “maintains that every member should hold their head high and not lose sight of this real win.” 

The activation of the union members, he said, moved the General Dynamics-owned company and ultimately established “not only a better contract foundation for the next negotiation but also develop[ed] an engaged and motivated membership; that now has this experience to bring to bear in any future negotiation or organizing activity.”