Hundreds of Navy Shipbuilder Workers Strike in Maine

Designers, clerks and technicians at Bath Iron Works demand better wages and benefits

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds of workers at one of the U.S. Navy's largest shipbuilding contractors, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, went on strike on Monday after rejecting the company's proposed wage offer. The strike involves 627 members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association, who work as designers, technicians, clerks and engineers at the historic shipyard.

Why it matters

The strike comes just weeks after a visit by the U.S. Defense Secretary touting the need to boost defense manufacturing, and as the U.S. intensifies its military operations. The outcome of the labor dispute could impact production of critical Navy ships like the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that Bath Iron Works has a contract to build.

The details

The union said the company's offer does not address concerns over wages, insurance and retirement benefits. Bath Iron Works has proposed 'historic' annual wage increases of 10.1% in the first year followed by 4% in each of the next three years, but the union is seeking better terms. The shipyard plans to continue operations using salaried staff, subcontractors and other employees during the strike.

  • The strike began on Monday, March 24, 2026.
  • On February 9, 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the shipyard and touted the need to boost defense manufacturing.

The players

Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association

A union representing 627 workers at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, including designers, technicians, clerks and engineers.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works

One of the U.S. Navy's largest shipbuilding contractors, located in Bath, Maine and employing around 6,800 people.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary who visited the shipyard in February 2026 to tout the need to boost defense manufacturing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had hoped the company took to heart the statements made by Secretary Hegseth here at GD BIW on February 9th because, our membership certainly did.”

— Trent Vellella, Union President

“The company is continuing to negotiate in good faith with the BMDA to explore opportunities to better align company and union objectives.”

— David Hench, Spokesperson, Bath Iron Works

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the union to continue the strike.

The takeaway

This labor dispute highlights the tensions between defense contractors, their workers, and the government's push to boost military manufacturing capacity. The outcome could impact production of critical Navy ships and reflects broader challenges facing the defense industry.