BATH, Maine — After a late night bargaining session Friday, Bath Iron Works sent it's largest union its “last, best and final offer” Saturday -- an offer rejected unanimously by the union's negotiating committee, according to a post on the page of Local S6 of the Machinists Union.
Union members are scheduled to vote on the package starting Friday.
The contract would provide a 3% pay raise each year for three years. It includes increases in health insurance costs which has been an issue for the union, though the company contends the pay raises would more than cover it.
But one of most controversial issues has been BIW’s ability to hire subcontractors. BIW management says it needs that flexibility to be able to catch up on ship construction, while union members have said they believe subcontractors would take work away from union members.
The issue is part of the new contract offer, but it's unclear if there has been any movement to resolve it.
WARNING: Some may find language in the following Facebook post offensive.
Local S6 is the largest trade union at the shipyard, covering well over half the workforce.
The current four-year contract is set to expire June 21, and union leaders and members have said they are prepared to strike if needed to get what they want.
Bath Iron Works President Dirk Lesko told NEWS CENTER Maine on Friday the company needs more flexible work rules to be able to manage the flow of construction and deliver ships to the Navy on schedule.
FULL BIW RESPONSE
Bath Iron Works spokesman David Hench said the company “negotiated in good faith toward an offer that we believe is fair and positions us for the future.”
NEWS CENTER Maine will update when more information becomes available.
