Local S6 Members & Families Enjoy Food & Fun at Solidarity Re-Union Picnic

The Machinists Local S6 Solidarity Re-Union Picnic last Saturday at the Pittston Fairgrounds was a great success. About 800 union members and their families attended the event, which featured food trucks, a bounce house, outdoor laser tag, corn hole, inflatable axe throwing, archery and more. The union’s Veterans Committee collected $11,000 worth of donations from all over the state for prize giveaways that were drawn throughout the event.

"To everyone involved, please know that your efforts have not only made this year's picnic memorable, they have also strengthened the bonds within our community," wrote Local S6 President, Chris Williams, in a letter to members. "We are all looking forward to next year's event and are excited to build on the momentum you've created."

“We called it a “Solidarity Reunion Picnic” because it's the first one we've done in six years but also because it’s like a family reunion," said Local S6 communication director Devin Ragner.

Ragner said that the last time the union held a solidarity picnic was in 2019, but several longtime members who put on those events every year have retired. He noted that over half the current workforce started working at Bath Iron Works since the last picnic, so it was important to get members together off the clock to build solidarity in the lead up to leadership elections this fall and contract negotiations next year. Local S6 members also welcomed fellow Machinist Troy Jackson, whom the union has voted to endorse for Governor.