BATH – Sixty-three Bath Iron Works employees will be laid off effective April 4 due to a cyclical slowdown in work.

BIW spokesman Jim DeMartini said the layoffs include 23 pipe fitters, 15 electricians and 12 painters and cleaners.

The company is working with union officials to see if any of the employees can take other jobs in the shipyard.

BIW has about 5,900 employees, making it one of the largest private employers in the state.