Bath Iron Works to begin early negotiations with union

[Omaha Steve]

Source: WCSH6

BATH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- With labor tensions high and criticism over constructions delays, Bath Iron Works is getting off to an early start on negotiating a new contract with the largest union at the shipyard.

The Navy shipbuilder told Machinists Union Local S6 that it wants to negotiate contract changes by year's end, instead of waiting until spring when the current labor contract expires, so it can shore up the framework for a labor pact to produce a competitive bid for Coast Guard offshore patrol cutters in March.

"Some of the changes they're asking for are hard," Wadleigh said. "I don't know if we're going to get where we need to be or if there's going to be a showdown in May."

The shipyard has invoked a clause in the current contract that allows for an early review – not formal contract talks – and hopes to begin the first meetings with the union later this month. The current contract expires on May 22 but the union has reserved the Augusta Civic Center for Sunday, Dec. 13, for a contract vote if an agreement can be reached before then.

FULL story and video at link.


(Photo: NEWS CENTER)

Read more: http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/2015/11/08/bath-iron-works-to-begin-early-negotiations-with-union/75430790/

[DFW]

1. I was at the Bath Iron Works last year

It's an impressive complex and they do unbelievable work. It's a major source of jobs and tax income in an otherwise job-poor area. I hope they come to an agreement with no interruption in the work schedule. That would be bad for both labor (for sure) AND management (I'm guessing).

[iandhr]

2. The fact that they are starting negotiations early

might be a hopeful sign that both sides are pragmatic and they're aware that any stoppage would be bad for everybody.

[DFW]

3. I quite agree

And the area is anything but "affluent." I drove in and through some of the towns around there. Stop the Iron Works for a few months, and the people there would really be hurting. It sounds like they are all aware of that. They (all of them) can't afford (literally) not to be pragmatic.