Local S6 would like to extend a huge thank you to all the supporters, both members and nonmembers alike. We are extremely grateful to our supporters from Maine delegations that have shown up in support of Local S6, as well as all the local businesses that have made donations in support. We know this is an extremely difficult time for the City of Bath, specifically for the residents and small businesses. The economic impact of our strike is shared by our members and local business alike.
BIW’s position is incredibly invasive to the job security and future of the shipyard. Unfortunately, our membership has voted to strike due to BIW’s consistent desire to have the ability to subcontract our jobs to out of state workers for any reason, as well as erode our seniority; the foundation of our Union. Local S6 has kept BIW thriving for generations, protecting and allowing our members to raise their families and support local businesses. BIW could not have sustained the legacy of shipbuilding without all of us.
Our knowledge and deep skill base are what we at Local S6 are trying to protect. If we don’t stand up and fight for what we know is right, the temporary impact to the City of Bath and surrounding communities could be permanent if the decisions being made by BIW go unchecked. We need BIW to remain viable for all of our futures. All we are asking is for a fair contract and keeping Maine jobs in Maine to continue to support our communities.
Do not be lured into the negativity of the false narrative that we are greedy shipbuilders with a list of unreasonable demands. That information misrepresents Local S6 and the thousands of our members who spend their hard-earned money supporting local and statewide businesses, aiding to keep Maines economy alive. Again, thank you for all those who are supporting us and all that will continue to do so.
We must not waiver and we must stand united; solidarity is and will always be the most effective way to stand against corporate greed.
“Our labor unions are not narrow, self-seeking groups. They have raised wages, shortened hours and provided supplemental benefits. Through collective bargaining and grievance procedures, they have brought justice and democracy to the shop floor.”
~~~ John F. Kennedy