Brothers and Sisters,
Please find the recent correspondence sent to the US Navy asking for their stance on subcontracting at BIW.
Additionally, we will be in talks with the Federal Mediator tomorrow. More updates to follow.
In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Leadership
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.
#LS6ISBESTBUILT #DITCHDIRK
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
Brothers and Sisters,
As you are aware BIW released information of additional COVID-19 cases at the shipyard which now classifies as an outbreak as there are three linked contact transmissions.
We have been able to confirm that the only time they were on the picket line was Monday, June 22, and Wednesday, June 24, 6:00 AM -10:00 AM at the North End.
If anyone is unsure of exposure, CDC recommendations and under the State of Maine DHHS standing order for COVID-19 qualifies you for testing if people have participated in large gatherings. If you have been exposed and have related symptoms please stay home and self-monitor.
There is a free walk-in COVID-19 testing center at 287 Main St, Lewiston, open MON-FRI 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Please follow all CDC guidelines while on the picket line to ensure the health of all.
In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Leadership
Brothers and Sisters,
We have reached the end of our employer covered health benefits. You should have received something in the mail from GDSC regarding your CIGNA health benefits and how to apply for COBRA benefits along with the premium costs. You can also go to affordable care act and shop on the marketplace or Maine care to see what other options you qualify for. You may find an alternative to cobra that better fits your needs.
https://www.mainecahc.org/covid-19-coronavirus/
In the event you are unsure of what you are going to do you may want to elect cobra now as you have 45 days to make your premium payments. You can do that by signing up on the GD service center or by calling them at General Dynamics Service Center at 1-888-432-3633.
Please find the below link for a letter regarding health insurance expiration. If you are looking to switch to your spouse’s insurance, this letter should help streamline the process.
In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Leadership
Click this link: Medical Benefits
Brothers and Sisters,
Please note, the available pickup times for strike benefits checks has changed.
Brothers and Sisters,
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
Brothers and Sisters,
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
Brothers and Sisters,
Below you will find the most recent correspondence between BIW and DL4 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
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