Trending Now - Hundreds Strike at Maine Navy Shipbuilder Over Pay Issues

WHO:

Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Union President Trent Vellella

David Hench, spokesperson for Bath Iron Works

United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)

WHAT:

Hundreds of designers, clerks, and technicians went on strike

The Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association represents 627 workers

The strike began on March 23rd, 2026

The shipyard's proposed wage offer was rejected by union members

The company's proposal included annual wage increases of 10.1% in the first year and 4% in each of the following three years

The total workforce at Bath Iron Works is about 6,800 people

Members are picketing around the clock until a new contract is ratified

WHERE:

Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine

U.S. Navy's largest shipbuilding contractors

WHEN:

Strike began on March 23rd, 2026

Negotiations with the union lasted for three weeks prior to the strike

Secretary Hegseth's appearance was on February 9th, 2026

The multiyear contract for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers was awarded in 2023

WHY:

The strike was due to the shipyard's offer not addressing concerns about wages, insurance coverage, and retirement income security

Union President Trent Vellella stated that General Dynamics “continues to make record profits off our labor”

HOW:

The strike was initiated after union members voted to reject the proposed wage offer

The company plans to continue operations during the strike using salaried personnel, subcontractors, and other employees who choose to work

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 23:44 UTC)

Today, hundreds of designers, clerks, and technicians at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, have gone on strike after rejecting a proposed wage offer from General Dynamics that included annual increases of 10.1% in the first year and 4% in each of the following three years. The Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association, which represents 627 workers, is picketing around the clock, voicing concerns over wages, insurance coverage, and retirement income security, while the total workforce at the shipyard is about 6,800 people. Union President Trent Vellella emphasized that General Dynamics continues to make record profits off their labor, prompting the strike that officially began today, March 23, 2026.