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 group of union leaders on a tour of the shipyard. The delegation included Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, also a former BIW shipbuilder and Local S6 member, along with several General Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff from various IAM Territories, and staff from IAM Headquarters.
The tour covered major buildings within the shipyard, production areas, and included boarding a U.S. Navy destroyer that is over 75% finished. The group also visited BIW’s training facility. This center aims to recruit and train people from local communities—many without prior 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.”
During their visit, IAM leadership met with Local S6 members while they worked and observed their skills 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.”
