AUGUSTA (AP) — There’s no strike on the line when the largest union at Bath Iron Works votes on a proposed four-year contract today but the shipyard says its future competitiveness is at stake. The company pressed for early negotiations aimed at winning concessions that it says are necessary to be competitive on a crucial bid […]
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Posted inBusiness, sj-web
BIW, Machinist Union reach agreement
BATH — A tentative agreement reached between Bath Iron Works and its largest union would require greater flexibility for workers and allow some items to be built outside the yard, the union’s president said Wednesday of the deal that dials back the company’s original proposals. The proposed four-year pact includes no pay raises, but does […]
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The Navy’s new destroyer Zumwalt is finally at sea. A lot is on the line
The long anticipated 610-foot-long, 15,480-ton destroyer has an unconventional pyramid-shaped hull that slopes out at the bottom with a stealthy “tumblehome” design, rather than sloping in like most warships. That should make it harder to find on radar, but also has long raised questions about how stable it will be when facing tough seas. The […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Zumwalt destroyer headed from BIW to sea for tests
More than 200 shipbuilders, sailors and residents gathered to watch as the futuristic 600-foot (183-meter), 15,000-ton (13,600-metric ton) USS Zumwalt glided past Fort Popham, accompanied by tugboats. Kelley Campana, a Bath Iron Works employee, said she had goose bumps and tears in her eyes. “This is pretty exciting. It’s a great day to be a […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Zumwalt sea trials may draw watchers along Kennebec River
BATH — As the Zumwalt (DDG 1000) goes out for sea trials next week, local residents may try to get a glimpse of the 15,760-ton vessel as it leaves Bath Iron Works. Brian Murray, park manager at Popham Beach State Park, said people have often flocked to the beach to watch ship movements in the […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
BIW’s Zumwalt to undergo sea trials this month
BATH — The Zumwalt (DDG 1000) will be departing Bath Iron Works to go out for sea trials next week, according to a report from Defense News. The vessel is the lead ship of the Zumwalt-class destroyer program, while two other destroyers are also in the process of being built at the Bath shipyard, including […]
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Seaworthiness of new BIW Zumwalt destroyers questioned
BATH (AP) — The largest destroyer built for the U.S. Navy cuts an imposing figure: massive, with an angular shape, hidden weapons and antennas, and electric-drive propulsion. But underneath the stealthy exterior resides a style of hull that fell out of favor a century ago in part because it can be unstable. The Navy will […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
State allows BIW workers to sue in discrimination complaints
LEWISTON — A state agency Monday gave the green light to sue to two area men who claimed that Bath Iron Works discriminated against them because of their physical disabilities, according to documents. Rodney Kates of Lewiston and Richard Roberts of Lisbon Falls filed complaints against the Bath-based corporation that builds military ships. They argued […]
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BIW, Machinist Union begin contract negotiations early
BATH — Bath Iron Works and its largest union have begun negotiations aimed at getting a contract signed before the end of the year to help the shipyard make a strong bid to build Coast Guard cutters. The Navy shipbuilder told Machinists Union Local S6 that it wants to settle on terms ahead of the May […]
Posted inObituaries, sj-web
Steve L. Labbe
1968 – 2015 LITCHFIELD — Steve L. Labbe, 47, of Litchfield passed away of a heart attack in his home on Sunday, Nov. 8. Steve was a lifetime resident of Litchfield and a 1986 graduate of Oak Hill High School. He was a member of Oak Hill High School’s first state championship football team in […]