Bath Iron Works workers' union rejects company's offer, plans to strike March 23

Source: News Center Maine

The union cited the increased insurance premiums and stagnant wages as the main reasons for voting against General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works’ proposed offer.

Author: NEWS CENTER Maine Staff
Published: 8:14 PM EDT March 21, 2026
Updated: 8:48 PM EDT March 21, 2026

BATH, Maine — The Bath Marine Draftsman Association voted Saturday to reject the proposed offer from General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works, and workers will continue with plans to strike at midnight Monday.

The union, made up of more than 650 members, said in a news release that the contract did not address wages, insurance, and retirement income security. At least three-fourths of union members voted to strike down the current version of the contract, according to a union member.

“We had hoped the Company took to heart the statements made by Secretary Hegseth here at GD BIW on February 9th because, our membership certainly did,” Trent Vellella, president of BMDA, said in a written statement. “General Dynamics continues to make record profits off our labor and gives away BILLIONS every year through stock buybacks and dividends while many of our members live paycheck to paycheck. With this Company proposal, General Dynamics is continuing to show that corporate earnings per share are more important than our members’ earning per pay period.”

A union member who requested to stay anonymous told NEWS CENTER Maine the main cause of contention during negotiations was around an increase in health care premiums.

Read more: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/money/business/bath-iron-works-workers-union-rejects-contract-offer-strike-march-23/97-ef48d664-5444-4235-b331-c5632b9c36b7