Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to Speak at Bath Iron Works, Workers Offered Overtime
Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Maine is preparing for a visit from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who is scheduled to tour the shipyard and deliver a speech on the newly announced “Trump” class battleship. The event is set for Monday afternoon, shortly before a shift change, prompting management to offer overtime pay to workers who attend. However, initial interest among employees appears low, with many expressing reluctance to participate.
According to a worker at the facility, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, a polling sheet was circulated to gauge interest in attending the speech, but there were few volunteers. The worker noted that the initial communication did not mention overtime pay, leading to a lack of enthusiasm. Later, a revised survey clarified that workers would indeed receive overtime for staying past their regular hours, but the change raised questions about management’s intentions.
Devin Ragnar, a spokesperson for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 6, confirmed that overtime would be provided for those attending the speech. However, he declined to elaborate on how this arrangement was established. The worker speculated that the overtime offer might have been a strategy to boost attendance, suggesting that management was eager to ensure a larger crowd for Hegseth’s address.
Mixed Reactions Among Workers
The prospect of Hegseth’s visit has elicited a range of reactions from BIW employees. While some workers are indifferent, others have expressed strong negative feelings toward the Secretary of War. One worker described the atmosphere as one of “apathy to disgust,” indicating that many colleagues are not enthusiastic about Hegseth’s presence.
Concerns have also been raised about the disruption the event may cause to the workday. One employee voiced frustration over the irony of being encouraged to attend a speech while the company frequently emphasizes productivity and efficiency. This worker highlighted the inconsistency in the company’s policies, noting that employees often face denial of paid time off for various reasons, yet overtime is being offered for this event.
Despite the mixed feelings, it is clear that Hegseth’s speeches have been a priority during his tenure. He has previously made headlines for controversial remarks, including criticism of military leadership. His visit to BIW comes at a time when the shipyard, a key player in U.S. Navy shipbuilding, is under the spotlight for its role in constructing advanced combat vessels.
Bath Iron Works: A Key Player in U.S. Defense
Located at the mouth of the Kennebec River in Bath, Maine, Bath Iron Works is one of the largest employers in the state, known for providing stable, well-paying union jobs. As a subsidiary of General Dynamics, BIW plays a crucial role in building and maintaining U.S. Navy ships, having secured billions in government contracts over the years.
Charles Krugh, the president of Bath Iron Works, has expressed the facility’s readiness to participate in the construction of the “Trump” class battleships. His statements reflect a commitment to delivering advanced and capable vessels for the U.S. military, aligning with Hegseth’s focus on supporting the nation’s warfighters.
As the date of Hegseth’s visit approaches, the shipyard’s workforce remains divided, with many grappling with the implications of the event on their work environment and the broader context of military and defense discussions. Representatives from Bath Iron Works and the Pentagon have not provided additional comments regarding the visit or the reactions from the workforce.
