IAM International President Brian Bryant led a delegation of union leadership on a tour of Bath Iron Works (BIW), where more than 4,000 members of Local S6 are engaged in building advanced ships for the U.S. Navy. The visit included tours of the shipyard’s main facilities, production areas, and a nearly finished Navy destroyer.
Bryant was accompanied by Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, other General Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff from various IAM Territories, and staff from IAM Headquarters. Both Bryant and Sullivan are former BIW shipbuilders and longtime members of Local S6.
The delegation also visited BIW’s modern training center, which is designed to attract and prepare people from nearby communities—many without previous mechanical experience—for careers as 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.”
During their visit, IAM leaders spoke with Local S6 members at work and observed their skills.
“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.”
