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Shipbuilders approve 3-year pact, ending monthslong strike

After a 63-day strike, Machinists Union Local S6 have agreed upon a contract with Bath Iron Works.

BATH, Maine — Striking workers at a Maine shipyard have approved a three-year contract after a 63-day strike. The strike at Bath Iron Works came to a close with Sunday’s announcement of the result of the voting by Machinists Union Local S6. 

The 4,300 shipbuilders the union represents will begin returning to work Monday. The stakes were high for both a company that fears being priced out of lucrative Navy contracts and workers who didn’t want to give up ground to subcontractors. 

"Tomorrow at 4 p.m. I will be back in the yard and I am actually very excited," Prezleigh Fortin said. Fortin has worked for Local S6 for about three and a half years.

BIW officials echo that excitement, in a statement from spokesperson David Hench:

"We are pleased to welcome back our valued manufacturing employees and get back to the important work of building ships on schedule for the U.S. Navy. This contract reflects the commitment of all BIW employees to improve schedule performance and the economic package ensures that manufacturing careers at BIW continue to be among the very best in Maine. As we move forward to deliver on our commitments to the U.S. Navy and meet our obligations as part of this nation’s critical infrastructure, we must do so together, on time, every time. For employees returning to work, please see our guidelines here."

For those who work for Local S6, many say if things aren't going their way in three years, they'll have no problem striking again.

"I believe that in three years you know we've shown that we will stand up for what we believe and what we want," Fortin added.

The workers lost company-paid insurance and wages during the strike that coincided with the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The company is eager to get caught up on the production of destroyers as the U.S. Navy faces growing competition from China and Russia on the high seas.  

NEWS CENTER Maine is following this story and will bring updates shortly.

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