UAW Leaders Announce Strike Authorization in Electric Boat Labor Dispute

Union Leaders Announce Potential Strike Amid Labor Dispute at General Dynamics

GROTON, CT – In a significant development in the ongoing labor conflict at General Dynamics Electric Boat, UAW President Shawn Fain, alongside Local 571 President Bill Louis, rallied with over a thousand union members to declare a possible escalation in their contract negotiations.

The marine drafting workforce, responsible for creating the designs for the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarines, has voted in favor of authorizing a strike. This decision marks a critical juncture in their battle for equitable contracts. The union members' frustration has been mounting against the defense contractor, which, despite reporting substantial profits, has been reluctant to meet workers' demands for fair wages, retirement benefits, and job dignity.

After the successful strike authorization vote, Fain remarked, “These workers aren’t just drafting blueprints — they’re designing the backbone of our national defense. This isn’t just any job — it’s mission-critical work, funded by the American taxpayer. And yet, while General Dynamics pockets billions in government contracts, the very people doing this essential work are being left behind. That’s not just unfair — it’s outrageous. The company has a choice. They can get back to the table and get serious about our demands. Or they can keep messing around. The choice is theirs. And the clock is ticking.”

UAW members at Electric Boat demand cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to counter inflation effects, reasonable healthcare costs, and restoration of pensions for employees hired post-2010. Despite earning over $13 billion in profits in the last three years, General Dynamics insists on increasing weekly medical insurance costs by 52% to 161%. The company's engagement in significant contracts to replenish the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet underscores the vital work performed by Electric Boat employees.

JoAnna McClenathan, a UAW member and Councillor at MDA Local 571, urged her colleagues to take action soon, stating, “If we don’t fight now—if we don’t pressure the company for something better—this company will continue to cut until there is nothing left for us or the next generation of workers. We need to stand together today so we don’t fall further behind tomorrow.”

Competitively low compensation at Electric Boat is contributing to workforce shortages and delays in production. The Navy reported in 2024 that both Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines are significantly behind schedule, citing “skilled labor shortages.”

General Dynamics has been accused of refusing to negotiate in good faith, having engaged the services of Morgan Lewis, a well-known anti-union firm. These actions have led to the filing of unfair labor practice (ULP) charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).