RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MACHINISTS LOCAL S6 STRIKE AND FIGHT FOR A FAIR CONTRACT AT BIW

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MACHINISTS LOCAL S6 STRIKE AND FIGHT FOR A FAIR CONTRACT AT BIW 

WHEREAS, it has long been recognized that “Bath built is best built” and that workers at BIW are highly skilled workers; and

WHEREAS, BIW - General Dynamics is a multi-billion dollar corporation that has received numerous tax breaks in recent years including tens of millions in tax breaks in Maine over the past decade; and

WHEREAS, this is a fight about good jobs for the Maine economy, respect on the job and about corporate power; and

WHEREAS, the last, best and final contract offer from BIW sought to expand the use of non-union subcontracting; to gut seniority provisions in the contract; and to significantly increase workers’ healthcare costs; and

WHEREAS, a resounding 87% of Local S6 members voted to reject the contract and voted to go on strike; and

WHEREAS, what happens to one union impacts all of us; and

WHEREAS, solidarity is the life blood of the labor movement and we strive to live the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all; now therefore be it 

RESOLVED that all unions present at this convention will do everything we can to bring the full support of the broader labor movement and our communities to support this strike for a fair contract; and be it finally 

RESOLVED that we will do everything that we can to support this strike including joining the picket line; educating our members, friends and neighbors; inviting strikers to address our union meetings (in person or on zoom); pressuring elected officials to take action; seeking contributions to the strike/hardship fund; supporting strikers finding work; adding any pressure and leverage we can for a fair resolution; and other requests that the union has for the broader labor movement.