Negotiations Frequently Asked Questions

BIW and BMDA have worked hard on negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Despite reaching alignment on most contract provisions, we were not able to reach a full tentative agreement. The Company’s offer failed to ratify on Saturday, and BMDA has chosen to strike at 12:01 tonight. Below are FAQs that provide important information concerning your wages and benefits and the availability of work during the strike. More detailed information will be forthcoming in the week ahead.

1. Do I still get a paycheck while on strike?

No. Employees who choose to participate in the strike will not be paid by the Company for the days they are on strike.

2. Will I receive my final paycheck if I choose to participate in the strike?

Yes. You will receive your final paycheck via direct deposit or it will be mailed to you at your address of record.

3. Can I collect unemployment compensation benefits if I choose to participate in the strike?

Maine law limits unemployment compensation benefits while participating in a strike. Unemployment compensation entitlements may be different in other states.

4. What happens to my insurance coverage and benefits if I choose to participate in the strike?

Healthcare and vision benefits will continue through midnight on the last day of the month on which the strike begins. Example: if a strike begins on Monday, March 23, 2026, healthcare and vision benefits will continue through midnight of March 31, 2026. Details regarding all other benefits will be mailed to employees’ address on record during the first week of the strike.

Employees choosing to participate in the strike will be eligible to continue coverage in each of these plans at your own expense in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Employees will be responsible for the monthly rates as follows: 

Health Care	Single	Employee + Spouse	Employee + Child(ren)	Family
Personal Health Account Plan	$811.20	$1,622.39	$1,622.39	$2,311.90
Physician Open Access	$898.98	$1,797.94	$1,797.94	$2,562.08
PCP Select	$996.92	$1,993.85	$1,993.85	$2,841.22

* Please note: the rates are for the continental U.S. plans only.  

5. During the strike, will business operations continue?

Yes. The Company has the right to continue operating and intends to do so with salaried personnel, sub-contractors and other employees who elect to come to work.

6. What access will I have during the strike?

BMDA badges and computer access will be suspended when the strike begins. BIW-issued phones will not have BIW email or BIW system access. All other phone functions will still be available until further notice. Employees will not be authorized to access Navy or company facilities using BIW-sponsored credentials (e.g. CAC).

7. What if I want to return to work?

For those interested in working during the strike, the union may subject you to fines and penalties for crossing the picket line. Contact your union representatives for details on those penalties. If you choose to cross the picket line and wish to avoid fines or penalties, you should resign your membership in the union, in writing. You may do this by sending the union a letter, using the template:

The Company is not encouraging BMDA members to remain a member of the union nor encouraging members to resign. The Company simply wants BMDA members to be sure that they know and understand their rights. BMDA members should be aware that the Union cannot force the Company to terminate your employment if you choose to resign, however, upon conclusion of the strike you will be required to resume membership in the Union to remain employed.

In the event of a strike, more information will be available at: BMDA FAQ Hotline 207-442-1650 and/or [email protected]

Once you contact the Strike Hotline, BIW will begin the process of reinstating you. After reinstatement, phone, badge and computer access will be restored. No paid time off will be approved until reinstatement is complete.

8. What if I am assigned to an off-site location or on company assigned travel when the strike begins?

BMDA personnel on company travel who choose to participate in the strike will be offered a ticket home for the employee only. Please send requests and questions to [email protected]. If an employee on travel chooses to participate in the strike and chooses to remain on site, all expenses (hotel, car, food, etc.) will be the responsibility of the employee.

If you have questions regarding this information, please call the negotiations hotline 207-442-1650.

9. Is Work from Home an option if I return to work?

Yes. Expanded work from home options (part time and full time) during the strike will be available to accomplish the important work of building and maintaining ships for our Navy customer.

10. Will I need to physically cross the picket line in order to return to work?

Not necessarily, many BMDA employees are eligible to work from home and will not need to cross a physical picket line to keep working. However, some positions in the BMDA may require on-site presence.