IAM International President Brian Bryant led a group of union leaders on a tour of Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard in Maine, where more than 4,000 members of Local S6 are involved in constructing advanced battleships for the U.S. Navy. The delegation included Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and other IAM officials from across the country.
During the visit, the group toured key areas of the shipyard, including production sites and a U.S. Navy destroyer that is over 75% complete. They also visited BIW’s training center, which is designed to bring in and train people from local communities—many without previous mechanical experience—to become skilled union shipbuilders.
“This facility is more than a training center – it’s a gateway for working people in Maine to enter a proud trade and build a better life,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It strengthens the shipyard, our union, and the communities we call home. That’s what the IAM is all about.”
The leadership met with Local S6 members at work to observe their skills and discuss their experiences.
“There’s a deep sense of pride and unity here that you can feel the moment you walk through the gates. Local S6 members are carrying forward a tradition of excellence,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, “Now they’re bringing in new talent to strengthen that foundation.”
