600+ Workers Strike at Maine’s Bath Iron Works After Contract Rejected

More than 600 workers at Bath Iron Works are on strike after contract negotiations broke down between the company and the Bath Marine Draftsmen Association.

According to WGME 13, Union members voted Sunday to reject what General Dynamics and BIW called their “best and final offer,” setting the stage for a strike that could also impact other General Dynamics locations worldwide.

The dispute comes just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited BIW and encouraged workers to ramp up warship production. Now, some of those same workers are walking off the job.

Union leaders say the proposed deal falls short in several key areas, including wages, healthcare costs, and retirement security. They argue pay levels remain below the national average and that many employees are struggling to keep up financially.

In a statement, the union president said the company continues to post strong profits while many workers are living paycheck to paycheck. The union also pointed to billions of dollars in stock buybacks and dividends as a sign that more could be done for employees, the news station reported.

Bath Iron Works pushed back on those claims, saying its proposal included historic annual wage increases. The company says it remains committed to reaching an agreement and will continue negotiating with the union.

For now, the strike adds uncertainty to one of Maine’s largest employers and a key player in building ships for the U.S. Navy.