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Union workers at Bath Iron Works start voting on new contract

If the three-year contract is approved, the more than 4,300 employees represented by the Local S6 union could be back to work as soon as Monday.

BATH, Maine — Union workers at Bath Iron works started voting on a proposed contract Friday after more than eight weeks on strike.

If it passes, the more than 4,300 employees represented by the Local S6 union could be back to work as soon as Monday.

The voting is happening online and via phone, instead of in person, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RELATED: BIW, union reach return-to-work agreement pending approval of contract

The Machinists Local S6 union first went on strike on June 22 after they reached a stalemate with shipyard leadership.

A federal mediator had to be brought in to restart negotiations and hash out a deal. A tentative agreement was reached two weeks ago.

"The last seven to eight weeks have been a struggle," union worker Chad Bamford said Friday.

RELATED: Striking BIW union says mediated negotiations with company 'appear to be breaking down'

The three-year contract has unanimous support of the Local S6 negotiation committee after it secured two of its biggest demands: protecting seniority and rules around subcontractors. 

"I'm here to support my union brothers and sisters that we stood for one and won our contract. We got what we deserved," Bamford said. 

Union leaders are set to hold a rally with national representatives and state lawmakers on Saturday. 

Voting will wrap up by noon on Sunday. 

RELATED: Union claims victory on major issues in proposed contract with Bath Iron Works

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