BIW to temporarily lay off members of its workers during union strike. Credit: U.S. Navy Naval Air Station Brunswick website.

Bath Iron Works (BIW) has announced the start of a temporarily layoff process for surveyors and trades inspectors.

The company said the process is being carried out in line with the Local S7 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Workers were informed about the layoffs in a letter from BIW president Dirk Lesko.

The move comes at a time when the shipyard’s largest union is on strike.

BIW president Dirk Lesko said: “If the number of volunteers does not address the overstaffing in these functions, we will follow the contract and move to involuntary layoffs by seniority.

“While these layoffs are temporary in nature, their impact on employees and their families is real and immediate.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“At a time when we are behind schedule, it is frustrating to be sending our employees home. However, the disruption of the strike leaves no other option.”

The company noted that more than 2,000 employees have been hired since 2018. It still requires at least 1,000 more to be hired this year.

BIW also said that General Dynamic and the US Navy are investing in its facilities and supply chain.

BIW is currently under contract to build 11 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers for the US Navy.

Lesko added: “We must continue to work diligently to gain back schedule so that we can keep our people at work. I know many of you are working hard to do just that and I appreciate your efforts.

“It also sends a welcome message to our navy customers that we take seriously our commitment to deliver their ships to them.”