The Local S6 Negotiating Committee spoke with the Federal Mediator for around 2 ½ hours today, discussing several debatable topics. Understanding BIW gave the Union their position on a contract proposal in their last, best, and final, they are willing to consider Union proposals.
The Local S6 Negotiating Committee has been examining additional solutions to BIW proposals that do not violate seniority or subcontract our work. We suggested a meeting in person with BIW’S team, with the suggestion that BIW brings someone with production knowledge and a decision-maker. The Mediators’ will be video linked in due to travel restrictions if BIW is agreeable.
Nothing specific was discussed from the Company’s perspective due to the Mediator’s confidentiality agreements with both parties. We have consistently been ready and willing to get back to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract for our members. We want the State of Maine to prosper. We want to deliver the best built ships as always for the US Navy. We should be hearing something in the next few days as to the next step of the process. We are hopeful and anticipate some form of a meeting with BIW by next week.
In case you’ve been living under a rock and think BIW values any of us, the proof lies in this recent post from CTS on Facebook.
(see below)
For all those who attended Christenings’, remember when BIW, State/Federal Legislators, and representatives from the US Navy would take turns speaking to us from a microphone behind a podium. They would echo one another on the value of BIW’s manufacturing employees and how through the hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice, all the men and women contributed to BIW in building the most sophisticated warships in the Naval fleet.
The praises of honor and legacy that are synonymous with Local S6 built ships are a testament to our history and more importantly our future.
It is apparent that all those speeches were for not. We are clearly not valued or appreciated and are just a number on a faceless badge. BIW management will certainly go down in the history books for providing the playbook on how to destroy one of the fundamental foundation blocks of Naval defense in the United States.
Crippling shockwaves of economic downfall will certainly plague the State of Maine for decades to come.
For more than nine (9) months, Local S6 has been working diligently with State and Federal representatives and the IAM National in DC to provide reasonable options on how to manage our shipyard successfully with no acceptance from BIW. BIW was persistent in its need for scabs.
It’s obviously BIW’s playbook and strategic plan that will be the inevitable demise of our shipyard if they’re not corrected with a common-sense change of course.
We have a saying in the shipyard, HERO TO ZERO. That’s exactly what we are in BIW’s eyes. From essential employees with a critical mission during COVID-19, to now greedy shipbuilders on the picket line as BIW continues scab our work.
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. *
Below you will find the most recent outreach from IAMAW International President Robert Martinez Jr. to US President Donald Trump regarding contract negotiations.
We will continue to provide updates on our website and Facebook page as they arrive.
In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Negotiating Committee
Below you will find the most recent correspondence between IAMAW International President Robert Martinez Jr. and GD Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Phebe N. Novakovic regarding contract negotiations.
We will continue to provide updates on our website and Facebook page as they arrive.
In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Negotiating Committee
