Bath Iron Works union committee unanimously ratifies five-year contract, 17% raise

BIW Union Secures Five‑Year Contract With 17% First‑Year Pay Increase

Nearly 4,500 members of the Business and Industry Workers (BIW) union have ratified a five‑year agreement that promises a sizable first‑year wage boost, stronger workplace protections, and no concessions to management.

In a closed‑door vote held last week, union officials announced that the contract will take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year. The agreement includes a 17 percent raise for all members in the first year of the new contract, followed by incremental increases over the remaining four years to keep wages competitive in an evolving market.

Beyond the wage hike, the deal expands safeguards for workers. Members will receive enhanced health‑benefit options, clearer grievance procedures, and improved safety protocols that surpass current standards. Importantly, the contract contains no reductions in benefits or changes to seniority rules, ensuring that workers’ existing rights are preserved.

Union representatives have described the agreement as a “significant win for workers across the state,” noting that the combination of a high initial raise and reinforced protections is rare in the current economic climate. The contract’s approval follows months of negotiations between BIW leadership and industry employers, during which both sides agreed to a no‑concession stance on benefit structures and seniority systems.

The five‑year deal will be monitored by a joint oversight committee comprising union and employer representatives, tasked with ensuring full compliance and resolving any disputes that may arise during the contract’s lifespan.

With the agreement in place, BIW members can look forward to a more secure and prosperous future, having secured a contract that balances immediate financial gain with long‑term protections.