WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 10, 2020) – The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) issued the following statement today on the tentative agreement in the labor negotiations between Bath Iron Works and International Association of Machinists Local S6:
“This weekend, representatives from Bath Iron Works and International Association of Machinists Local S6 signed a tentative agreement which, following ratification, will end the shipyard worker strike in Bath, Maine. Though FMCS cannot comment on the substance of their specific negotiations, FMCS was honored to assist the parties in coming to a mutually acceptable resolution of their dispute.”
FMCS Deputy Director Richard Giacolone, who leads the Agency, mediated the dispute along with Commissioner Marty Callahan of the FMCS Boston field office.
“These parties faced difficult and deep-seeded issues that divided them,” said Giacolone. “Through their determination and commitment, negotiators were able to push through the process after a long week of marathon sessions and come to an agreement. I commend everyone involved for their professionalism, dedication and hard work during these challenging negotiations.”
Notable contributors to the process leading to the settlement were Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Peter Navarro, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department President Jimmy Hart and IAM International President Robert Martinez.