Nearly 4,500 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union at Bath Iron Works voted this weekend to ratify a five-year contract that includes wage increases and stronger workplace protections, with no concessions.
The new agreement takes effect Monday and runs through Aug. 24, 2031, according to a statement issued by the union.
The agreement, unanimously recommended by the negotiating committee, delivers a 17% general wage increase in the first year, followed by 4% increases in each of the remaining four years.
According to a press release, other contract highlights include increased shift premiums for second- and third-shift employees, locked-in healthcare costs for the duration of the agreement and improved 401(k) contributions.
The contract also includes stronger seniority and job protections, more flexibility for time off, with stronger protections related to technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and increased union involvement in workplace decisions.
The contract addresses the majority of the priorities members identified as most important heading into negotiations, officials said.
“We brought home historic wage increases, stronger job protections and improvements across this agreement without giving up the hard-fought language our members have defended for generations. This committee stood its ground, our membership stood behind us, and the result is a contract that raises the bar for Local S6 members and their families,” union negotiator Chris Wiers said.
In March, members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen Association went on strike at BIW after union negotiations fell through. About 600 of the more than 6,000 workers at the shipyard walked off over issues including pay and health insurance premiums. The strike was ended after about a week.
In 2020, members of the machinists and aerospace workers union held a 63-day strike at Bath Iron Works over subcontracting, seniority and other job security issues.