Unionized workers at General Dynamics Electric Boat have voted to authorize a strike, the United Auto Workers announced this week.
About 1,200 UAW members at General Dynamics met Monday to OK the walkout. Union members want increased pay to keep up with inflation, affordable insurance options, and pensions for new employees.
“You guys aren’t asking for the moon and the stars. We’re fighting for things that every working-class American deserves,” UAW President Shawn Fain said at a rally in Groton, Connecticut.
UAW represents about 2,400 employees at the General Dynamics subsidiary.
Unionized workers at the aerospace and defense corporation have been without a contract since April 4. Contract talks have been unproductive, with UAW members alleging the company is not bargaining in good faith.
“There is no way in hell we will accept the concessions at the table with General Dynamics when the company is raking in billions of dollars year after year from these taxpayer-funded, guaranteed contracts,” Mr. Fain said.
He added that the company is “pushing for 52% to 161% increases in weekly medical insurance costs.”
General Dynamics denied accusations it is negotiating in bad faith, adding that it has offered UAW a 23.3% general wage increase, improved benefits and an increased retirement package.
“We value our MDA partners and we believe our offer is compelling. While we prefer to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, we are actively preparing a business continuity plan in the event of a work stoppage,” General Dynamics said in a statement. “We will not waver from our commitment to continue building submarines, the nation’s top national security priority.”
The Electric Boat unit is part of General Dynamics’ marine systems division, which oversees the development and construction of nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.
The division has been plagued with delays to its submarine contracts due to increasing costs, skill deficits and staffing shortages. General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic also noted that supply-chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated quality control and cost issues.
