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 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) leadership on a tour of the BIW shipyard. The facility employs more than 4,000 IAM-represented members from Local S6, who are responsible for constructing 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—as well as several General Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff from across IAM’s territories, and staff from IAM Headquarters. During their visit, the group toured key buildings in the shipyard, visited production areas, and boarded a U.S. Navy destroyer that is over 75% complete.
The leaders also toured BIW’s training center. This facility recruits individuals from local communities—many without prior mechanical experience—and provides them with skills to become 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 time at BIW, IAM leadership met with Local S6 members at work to observe their skills and sense of solidarity.
“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.”
