Brothers and Sisters,
At the start of week 4 of LS6’s strike against BIW’s last, best, and final, there are several things to keep in mind. We are all sacrificing and standing arm and arm with our fellow brothers and sisters on the picket line. There isn’t any progress without struggle. It is important to know that Union brothers and sisters from all over the state and many from other states have made the trip to stand with us whether they agree or not, it’s what we do. This strike is being watched and more importantly, supported by, Union and Non-Union alike across the country. BIW’s offer was clear to everyone who read it and what their intentions were. That’s why we have incredible backing from so many far and wide. We continue to ask for a fair contract by commonsense standards, not corporate greed standards. An example of this would be that General Dynamics has ridden high on the hog. As IAMAW International President Robert Martinez, Jr wrote in a letter to President Trump, “the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced the company’s effective tax rate from 28.6% in 2017 down to 17.8 percent in 2018. With this windfall, General Dynamics greatly increased stock buybacks and dividend payments, giving nearly $2.9 billion to their stockholders in 2018 alone.” This comes on top of a $45 million state of Maine tax break, money better well spent in the state of Maine to aid in our economy, not put in GD’s pocket for profit. We are committed to fighting as long as it takes. #DITCHDIRK #ONEDAYLONGERONEDAYSTRONGER
“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” (Frederick Douglass)
* Please note, we have not heard back from the Federal Meditator as of today- 7/13/20. We will be following up with the Federal Mediator this week. *
In Solidarity, Local S6 Leadership