At a recent rally in Groton, Connecticut, UAW President Shawn Fain and Local 571 President Bill Louis joined over a thousand union members to announce a significant escalation in the labor dispute at General Dynamics Electric Boat. The marine drafters, responsible for designing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet, have voted to authorize a strike against their employer.
Shawn Fain stressed the importance of their work and criticized General Dynamics for its treatment of employees. “These workers aren’t just drafting blueprints — they’re designing the backbone of our national defense,” Fain said. “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.”
UAW members at Electric Boat are pursuing a contract that includes cost-of-living adjustments, affordable healthcare, and the restoration of pensions, which were removed for employees hired after 2010. Despite General Dynamics’ reported $13 billion in profits over three years, the company is seeking significant increases in weekly medical insurance costs. This has amplified tensions as workers fight for improvements in compensation to combat worker shortages and production delays.
JoAnna McClenathan, a UAW member, emphasized the need for collective action, 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.”
The Navy has noted delays in the schedule for its submarine fleets, attributing it to skilled labor shortages. Meanwhile, General Dynamics has faced criticism for hiring Morgan Lewis, an anti-union firm, and for having unfair labor practice charges filed against it with the National Labor Relations Board.
