Maine shipyard begins key labor talks

http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2008/05/05/maine_shipyard_begins_key_labor_talks/

May 5, 2008

BATH, Maine—Bath Iron Works and its largest labor union began negotiations Monday on a new contract, even as the union remained in disarray.
more stories like this

The current four-year contract between the builder of Navy surface ships and the 3,400-member Local S6 of the Machinists' union expires May 18.

Absent from the negotiating table was Local S6 President Mike Keenan, one of three officers still under suspension by the international union as it wraps up an investigation into allegations ranging from financial mismanagement to pornography on union computers.

International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger, who appointed a trial committee that has been looking into the allegations, was among those attending the first day's preliminary discussions.

The opening session included statements by Bath Iron Works executives and top-ranking union leaders, according to the union. As the talks proceed, negotiators will break up into committees to hammer out contract language on key issues such as benefits and wages.

Bath Iron Works declined comment on the talks. Spokesman Jim DeMartini said the company will make no statements until negotiations have ended.

FULL story at link.