Connecticut submarine designers plan May 18 strike

GROTON, Conn. — Approximately 2,500 workers at the Electric Boat shipyard in Connecticut are poised to commence a strike on May 18 if a tentative contract is not finalized with the submarine manufacturer, according to an announcement made by the union president during a rally held on Thursday.

Around 300 members of the union voiced their support when Bill Louis, who serves as the president of the Marine Draftsmen’s Association-United Auto Workers of America, Local 571, made the announcement, as reported by a local newspaper.

“We’re officially putting the company on notice that if we don’t have an agreement at 11:59 p.m., we strike at midnight May 18,” Louis declared to the union members. The majority of these workers are primarily responsible for designing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet.

An EB spokesperson in Groton was reached out to for comments, though none were immediately available.

The potential strike coincides with the recent award of a contract exceeding $12.4 billion by the U.S. Navy to General Dynamics, Electric Boat’s parent company, which covers the construction of two Virginia-class submarines authorized during the last fiscal year and includes provisions for improved worker compensation.

A significant portion of the union membership, more than two-thirds, voted in favor of authorizing a strike should an agreement on a new contract fail to materialize.

Although the union’s previous contract expired on April 4, negotiations with Electric Boat are ongoing. Union leaders are calling for increased wages over the next four years, reinstatement of pension benefits for all members, cost of living adjustments, and a share in profits from the parent company, General Dynamics.

“The clock has run out on corporate greed,” UAW President Shawn Fain told members during a rally last month. “And I’ll tell you, this is a new UAW where the membership comes first and we refuse to aim low and settle lower.”

Electric Boat’s previous offer, which has since expired, included a 23.3% general wage increase over the duration of the contract, accompanied by additional benefits and an enhanced retirement package.

The company has stated that it is “actively preparing a business continuity plan in the event of a work stoppage,” affirming its unwavering commitment to “continue building submarines, the nation’s top national security priority.”