More Than 600 Bath Iron Works Employees to Go on Strike

The striking workers include designers, test and laboratory technicians, technical clerks, and associate engineers.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A union representing 650 workers at Bath Iron Works has voted to go on strike after rejecting an offer from plant operator General Dynamics. The union says the proposed contract does not sufficiently address wages, affordable insurance, and retirement income security.

Why it matters

Bath Iron Works is a major employer in the Bath, Maine area and a key supplier of ships to the U.S. Navy. A prolonged strike could disrupt shipbuilding operations and impact the local economy.

The details

The union, Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association, says General Dynamics continues to make record profits while many workers live paycheck to paycheck. The union president criticized the company for prioritizing corporate earnings over worker pay and benefits. This is the second strike at Bath Iron Works in the past 6 years, following a 2020 walkout by the company's largest union.

  • The workers voted to go on strike on March 22, 2026.
  • Bath Iron Works last experienced a strike in 2020.

The players

Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association

The union representing 650 workers at Bath Iron Works who voted to go on strike.

General Dynamics

The plant operator and parent company of Bath Iron Works.

Trent Vellella

President of the Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association.

Pete Hegseth

Secretary of Defense who visited Bath Iron Works on February 9th.

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What they’re saying

“General Dynamics continues to make record profits off our labor and gives away BILLIONS every year through stock buybacks and dividends while many of our members live paycheck to paycheck.”

— Trent Vellella, President, Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.