You are currently viewing General Dynamics Electric Boat and the Metal Trades Council Agree to a New Contract

General Dynamics Electric Boat and the Metal Trades Council (MTC) announced today union members ratified a new, five-year collective bargaining agreement. The MTC represents more than 3,400 employees in the skilled trades at the company’s Groton shipyard which includes welders, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, laborers, painters, transportation services and administrative support.

The agreement provides for significant increases in compensation and benefits, including:

  • ​General wage increases for all MTC members totaling 21.4% over the term of the contract.
  • Retention and sign on bonuses with the opportunity to earn up to $6,000.
  • A one-time, $2,500 contribution to the employee’s 401k retirement savings account.
  • Continuation of a comprehensive, competitive medical plan with modest premium and deductible increases.
  • Increases to vacation days and paid sick time for most members.

​The contract is effective as of September 30, 2023.

“This is the largest wage package in more than 30 years and demonstrates the value we place on the skills and experience necessary to build the world’s finest submarines,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “This investment in our people complements investments by General Dynamics in our facilities and infrastructure and is a key element of our strategy to grow our production rate to deliver more submarines faster to the U.S. Navy.”

“Ratification of this robust contract is a five-year ironclad guarantee of economic security for the Electric Boat metal trades workforce, which they richly deserve. It also sends a powerful message to the Navy and Congress, who fund their work, that the Groton waterfront is in for the long haul as our nation grows its undersea fleet, a decades-long enterprise. Kudos to Peter Baker and the Metal Trades Council team, and Shawn Coyne from Electric Boat Human Resources who spent months hammering out the many details of this historic contract,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02).

“This new agreement will help attract and retain new employees while providing for the current membership,” said Peter Baker, president of the Metal Trades Council. “This will also provide Electric Boat with a stable workforce that will continue to build our nation’s defense. We want to thank the membership for their support throughout the negotiations process.”

Electric Boat is in the midst of an unprecedented expansion to increase production of Virginia-class fast-attack submarines and the Columbia class of ballistic missile submarines. The company is the prime contractor for the Columbia class, designated by the U.S. government as the nation’s number one defense priority. Electric Boat plans to hire 5,750 new employees in 2023. Interested applicants should visit EBCareers.com to see available positions.​

Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road

In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading

EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues

Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading

The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks

Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading

Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday

June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading

Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days

Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading

Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9

A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ​​...Continue reading

Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire

Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded.  Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading

Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat

June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading

Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders

The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading