BIW union continues fight against shipyard's plan to hire subcontractors

BATH — In an effort to halt Bath Iron Works’ plan to hire subcontractors, the shipyard’s largest union shared a letter with members Monday arguing the shipyard’s scheduling delays stem from management rather than the workers.

The letter, signed by Local S6 leaders, said officials “continue to meet with the company in an effort to find a way through the company’s proposed decision to subcontract bargaining unit’s work.”

In a statement last month, union leaders said the shipyard needs to hire subcontractors because it has fallen behind schedule but didn’t reach out to the union to formulate a recovery plan. The union said hiring subcontractors violates the contract between the union and the company.

David Hench, a spokesman for BIW, said hiring subcontractors “will allow BIW to perform the work that we have and to compete for and win new work, which will ensure the long-term success of our business.”

Read more: https://www.pressherald.com/2019/11/20/biw-union-continues-fight-against-shipyards-plan-to-hire-subcontractors/