BMDA union members ratify new contract with BIW, ending strike
Source: WMTW
The new four-year contract goes into effect immediately
Updated: 8:50 AM EDT Mar 29, 2026
Connor Clement
BATH, Maine —
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW), the Maine shipbuilder and the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association (BMDA) have approved a new contract, after union members voted to ratify the agreement Saturday morning at Brunswick High School, according to a statement from the company.
"Members of BMDA on Saturday ratified the Tentative Agreement for the new four-year contract, which goes into effect immediately. We look forward to working together once again to deliver the Navy’s ships on time to protect our nation and our families. Training and implementation of the new elements of the contract begin this week," said a BIW spokesperson.
BMDA President Trent Vellella said the changes did not achieve all of the contract campaign goals, but the agreement does "represent a win for the membership." He explained earlier in the week the union was trying to address the livable wage issue in Maine.
Saturday's ratification ends a brief strike that began Monday, when more than 600 members of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 3999 walked off the job. Union leadership had said BIW’s earlier offer — initially described as “best and final” — did not adequately address key priorities such as competitive wages, affordable health insurance and retirement security.
Read more: https://www.wmtw.com/article/bmda-union-members-ratify-new-contract-with-biw-ending-strike/70873424