Members of the machinists union at the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, are preparing to go on strike May 18. Contract negotiations have reached an impasse, leading to the move. Nearly 2,500 workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. They are represented by the Marine Draftsmen’s Association-United Auto Workers of America, Local 571, and they are willing to strike if a new contract can’t be negotiated. With over two-thirds of the union membership voting against the deal, this showed just how unhappy rank-and-file workers are about the current state of contract negotiations.
The union’s contract with Electric Boat expired April 4. Fast forward to today, where negotiations continue but a deal is still out of reach. The union’s leadership has made it clear that they are dead set on continuing to bargain with Electric Boat. This event was co-hosted by Electric Boat—this General Dynamics subsidiary that designs the U.S. Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet.
The union’s demands focus on a few key points. They’re asking for a 50% wage increase phased in over four workers. They seek to restore pension benefits to all members, apply cost of living adjustments and institute profit sharing with General Dynamics. These requests reflect the workers’ concerns about compensation and job security in light of rising living costs and corporate profitability.
Bill Louis, president of the Marine Draftsmen’s Association-United Auto Workers of America, Local 571, emphasized the importance of these negotiations for the workforce. Workers are preparing for a sustained industrial action. The stakes are high. Electric Boat is a main command and consolidation point for national security through maintaining America’s submarine force.
Reflecting on the ongoing change, UAW President Shawn Fain stated, “The corporate greed that is hurting autoworkers is hurting working people everywhere.”
“The clock has run out on corporate greed.” – UAW President Shawn Fain
He added that the determination of the union membership is indicative of an inside-the-union change in strategy.
“And I’ll tell you, this is a new UAW where the membership comes first and we refuse to aim low and settle lower.” – UAW President Shawn Fain
In response to the report, an Electric Boat spokesperson stressed the importance of their workforce and emphasized the company’s focus on delivering on their obligations.
“We will not waver from our commitment to continue building submarines, the nation’s top national security priority.” – Electric Boat spokesperson
Both sides continue to negotiate as the situation develops. Yet the approach of their possible strike date adds urgency to even the most routine of their talks. The outcome of these negotiations will have serious consequences on the labor force in Electric Boat. It can and should be used to fundamentally re-shape labor relations throughout the entirety of the defense contracting industry.
