IAM International President Brian Bryant, a former pipefitter at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and member of Local S6, led a group of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) leaders on a tour of the BIW shipyard. The facility employs more than 4,000 IAM-represented members who are involved in building advanced battleships for the U.S. Navy.
The delegation included Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, also a former BIW shipbuilder and Local S6 member, along with other General Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff from various IAM territories, and staff from IAM Headquarters. During their visit, the group toured major buildings within the shipyard, observed production areas, and boarded a U.S. Navy destroyer that is over 75% complete.
The tour also featured a stop at BIW’s training center. This facility aims to recruit 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.”
IAM leadership met with Local S6 members during their shifts to observe their work 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.”
