The organization overseeing Bath Iron Works’ largest union says it will be “watching” newly confirmed U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia, while local union representatives have been mum on the confirmation.In 2007 Scalia was part of a team of lawyers who represented the Bath shipyard in a federal court case. The shipyard won out in the dispute against unions that filed a labor dispute over changes to a pension plan.

“As always the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local S6, along with AFL-CIO, and other unions will be watching as we do with any administration while standing against any policies that could potentially harm our members, and working families everywhere,” said John Carr, spokesman for the IAMAW.Local S6 is the largest union at BIW, representing 3,600 out of nearly 6,000 shipyard workers.BIW did not return requests for comment. Local union representatives referred all comments to Carr.

Scalia, a former corporate lawyer and the son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, was confirmed as the new labor secretary by the Senate Thursday.

As labor secretary, Scalia will be responsible for enforcing workers’ rights and U.S. labor laws.

During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Scalia said he believed that labor unions were “among the most effective advocates you will see for workplace safety and health” and that it was “fundamental” that workers have the ability to choose whether to opt into a union.

Scalia was confirmed in a 53-44 vote. Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted in favor of Scalia’s appointment whereas Sen. Angus King, an independent, voted against.

Liberal advocacy group Maine People’s Alliance criticized Collins’ support of Scalia, citing, in part, his involvement with the BIW pension dispute.

“Scalia represented Bath Iron Works Corporation and was directly involved in legal battles with three out of the four unions representing workers at the Maine-based shipyard, arguing that bosses should be allowed to ‘unilaterally’ alter workers’ pension plans,” Dan Neumann wrote.

In a statement on her decision to vote to confirm Scalia, Collins listed several questions she asked him, including one regarding the H2-B visa program, which provides visas to people who come to the U.S. to work temporarily in non-agricultural fields.

“These visas are critical to many small businesses in Maine, as well as to our tourism industry, which supports the jobs of over 100,000 Mainers,” said Collins. “Mr. Scalia pledged that this program would be an ‘important priority’ if he were confirmed to lead the Department.”

Scalia also said he recognizes the importance of Job Corps, the prevention of age discrimination, and the importance of retirement security, according to Collins.

Democrats opposed Scalia’s nomination from President Trump, arguing his track record showed multiple instances in which he fought against the interests of American workers.

As a corporate lawyer Scalia represented companies such as Walmart, Ford, UPS, and others in workers’ rights claims.

The IAM’s pension plans are still a cause of confusion after the union’s pension plan changed in May. Previously, workers were eligible to receive their full normal retirement age benefit if they retire with 20 years of certified service and have reached 62 years of age; or with 30 years of certified service, regardless of age.According to a letter sent to union officials in May, it’s possible participants wouldn’t be eligible for a full retirement benefit until age 65, which sparked confusion.Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York tweeted Thursday that Scalia’s nominations was, “a slap to the face of the Labor Department,” and called Scalia, “a corporate lawyer who has spent his career protecting the interests of CEOs, big corporations, the wealthy elite — not workers.”

“From what I have seen, he does not show much interest in protecting American workers — a troublesome characteristic for a potential Labor Secretary,” King said Monday.

kobrien@timesrecord.com

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