Sen. Vitelli: We must do better to protect health and safety of BIW workers

Bath Iron Works

Published
April 10, 2020

Sen. Vitelli: We must do better to protect health and safety of BIW workers

If the shipyard can't implement the physical distancing measures needed to ensure workers' safety, it needs to close.
Published
April 6, 2020

BIW requires workers to wear face masks, over union objections

Chris Wiers, president of Machinists Union Local S6, he's concerned homemade masks made of cotton and other flammable materials are a severe safety risk.
Published
April 2, 2020

Second positive COVID-19 case reported at BIW; shipyard remains open

David Hench, BIW’s spokesman, said the employee was last on company property on March 31 but he would not disclose the name of the employee or where they work.
Published
April 1, 2020

BIW donates more than 3,000 protective masks to health workers in Maine

The N95 respirator masks were donated to MaineHealth, and will go to hospitals and facilities that the health system operates across the state.
Published
April 1, 2020

Bath shipyard keeps local eateries afloat during virus outbreak

In total, 13 local restaurants supply about 5,000 lunches per day, according to BIW.

Published
March 30, 2020

BIW boosts shipyard sanitation amid coronavirus pandemic

According to the company’s website, cleaning efforts include washing the bathrooms and break rooms once a day, turnstiles, railings and doorknobs will be cleaned during all three shifts, and employees are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
Published
March 26, 2020

BIW extends unpaid leave as worker attendance remains low

While the shipyard hasn’t halted production, despite calls to do so from union leaders and politicians, BIW leadership extended its unpaid leave offer to employees through April 10.
Published
March 24, 2020

Only 41% of BIW workers came to work after first case of coronavirus at the shipyard

According to Tim Suitter, the communications representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers local S6, BIW’s largest union, the low shift count was not a unified statement by employees.
Published
March 23, 2020

Despite BIW worker’s positive test for coronavirus, union officials say company won’t close

Union officials say Bath Iron Works, citing a mandate from the president and the Navy, wants to keep the shipyard open despite the pandemic.
Published
March 20, 2020

Navy calls BIW to remain open despite demands from Maine delegation, union

James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy pointed to the president’s coronavirus guidelines, which states "If you work in a critical infrastructure industry ... you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule."