IAM International President Brian Bryant, who began his career as a pipefitter at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and is a member of Local S6, led a delegation of union leaders on a tour of the shipyard in Maine. The group included Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan—also a former BIW shipbuilder and Local S6 member—as well as other General Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff from IAM’s Territories, and key staff from IAM Headquarters.
During their visit, the delegation toured several major buildings within the shipyard, observed production areas, and boarded a U.S. Navy destroyer that is currently more than 75% complete. The tour also included BIW’s advanced training facility, which focuses on recruiting and training people from local communities—many without prior 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 team also spoke with Local S6 members while they worked and witnessed their skills firsthand.
“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.”
More than 4,000 IAM-represented members of Local S6 work at Bath Iron Works building some of the most advanced battleships for the U.S. Navy.
