IAM Union Local S6 members at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, recently gathered to honor Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder and educator who was killed by a coworker on November 11, 2025, in Cokato, Minnesota. Czech was recognized for her skills as a welder and her commitment to teaching welding at her former high school during her time off.
The tribute event was led by IAM Union Local S6 and BIW welder Megan McCandless. Members assembled at the BIW shipyard to show support for women working in skilled trades and to call attention to the need for stronger action against workplace violence.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works produced a video of the tribute that included remarks from McCandless. She stated, “I thought we had a responsibility through the company and the Union to shed light and recognize what happened in honor of Amber. We had women from the company and the Union coming together in honor of Amber Czech. It is a woman’s issue, and it is so important to have each other’s back in the workplace.”
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union and Local S6 member, said, “Amber was one of us, a young, talented welder who loved her craft and her community. Her life was brutally stolen. This kind of workplace violence is a horror no family or coworker should ever have to endure. The IAM and Local S6 stand united in saying it will never be tolerated. We owe it to Amber, and to every worker, to fight for dignity, safety, and respect on the job.”
David Sullivan, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President and Local S6 member, noted that only six percent of welders in the U.S. trades workforce are women. He said this leads many women to feel isolated or vulnerable: “Amber should have had a long, successful career. The Eastern Territory is committed to ensuring that no worker ever feels isolated, threatened, or unsafe. Solidarity means stepping up for one another, and we will not fail.”
Chris Williams, President of IAM Union Local S6, added: “No one should ever come to work fearing violence or harassment. Our union is a family that shows up for each other. This powerful tribute reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting everyone on the shop floor.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit, healthcare, automotive sectors in both the United States and Canada.
