UAW members at General Dynamics' electric boat unit authorize strike
The move comes amid an ongoing labor dispute post the expiration of the members' contract on April 4 at Electric Boat, a part of the defense contractor's marine systems segment, which assembles nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. The union members are also seeking the restoration of pensions, as they argue that General Dynamics is pushing for increases of 52% to 161% in weekly medical insurance costs. General Dynamics has received significant contract awards from the Pentagon for building the Navy's Virginia-class submarines, but is years behind schedule because of skilled labor shortages, design issues, and supply chain challenges stemming from the pandemic.