Navy Shipyard Workers Approve Contract Deal, Ending Weeklong Strike

Hundreds of striking employees at one of the U.S. Navy's biggest shipbuilding contractors voted to ratify a new agreement with Bath Iron Works.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:37pm

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Hundreds of striking employees at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, one of the U.S. Navy's biggest shipbuilding contractors, voted on Saturday to approve a new four-year contract deal, ending a weeklong strike. The agreement includes annual wage increases of 10.5%, 5%, 5%, and 5%, as well as preserving flexible schedules, remote work options, and health care benefits.

Why it matters

The strike at Bath Iron Works, a major naval shipbuilder, had raised concerns about potential impacts on critical naval contracts across the country and overseas. The resolution of the labor dispute ensures the company can continue delivering ships to the U.S. Navy on schedule.

The details

The new contract agreement was reached between Bath Iron Works and the Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association (BMDA) union, which represents over 600 members of United Auto Workers Local 3999. The strike began on Monday after the union said the company's initial 'best and final' offer did not adequately address priorities like wages, health insurance, and retirement security. The ratified deal includes annual wage increases totaling 28% over the four-year contract, with top-scale designers earning over $95,000 in base pay by the end. The agreement also preserves flexible schedules, remote work options, and health care benefits.

  • The strike began on Monday, March 24, 2026.
  • Union members voted to ratify the new contract agreement on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works

A major U.S. Navy shipbuilding contractor based in Bath, Maine.

Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association (BMDA)

The union representing over 600 members of United Auto Workers Local 3999 who work at Bath Iron Works.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary who made a morale-boosting appearance at Bath Iron Works several weeks before the strike.

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What they’re saying

“We're trying to address the livable wage issue in Maine. I think everyone knows that prices have increased, and the cost of living in Maine has increased.”

— Trent Vellella, Union President

What’s next

With the new contract in place, Bath Iron Works will resume full operations and continue delivering ships to the U.S. Navy as scheduled.

The takeaway

The resolution of the labor dispute at one of the Navy's largest shipbuilding contractors ensures critical naval contracts can move forward without disruption, highlighting the importance of maintaining productive labor relations in the defense manufacturing sector.