Labor group joins Local S6 members in strike against Bath Iron Works

BATH (WGME) -- Another labor group joined members from Local S6 Wednesday in solidarity with their strike against Bath Iron Works.

Striking shipbuilders to lose health insurance, BIW loses bid for Navy destroyer

People driving in the solidarity caravan say unlike the weather, they’re trying to keep spirits from dampening for fellow union members on the picket line.

At least a dozen drivers rolled in from Yarmouth and Brunswick, most were members of other unions.

Bath Iron Works lays off workers due to ongoing strike

“I am an IBEW union member, and I support all my union brothers and sisters, and I just think that it’s worth all of us to get out there and show her support, and make sure everybody in the United States has a living wage,” Stacey Timberlake of IBEW said.

“A good contract for them only elevates all of us. A rising tide lifts all boats,” Nash Padham of IBEW 567 said.

Holding down the picket line even through thunderstorms, Local S6 members appreciated them showing up.

“It’s great to have all these people coming from all over the place to help us get what we need,” Local S6 Member Rena Castonguay said.

That is a new contract.

“Because we’re out here, they brought in other people to take our jobs already; They’re looking at layoffs for Local 7. I mean it’s just turning into a big mess,” Local S6 Member Tom Seigars said.

The president of BIW announced layoffs of S7 workers Tuesday. Replacing union workers with temporary workers is a constant worry as members push for a new contract.

“You know, you don’t want, just bouncing around those people all over the place,” Castonguay said. “You’ve got to know what you’re going into when you go into work.”

CBS 13 reached out to BIW for more information and status on contract negotiations. We have not yet heard back. Union members supporting the strike in solidarity worry if the situation isn’t resolved soon it will negatively impact the local and state economy.