Quonset workers taking voluntary leave of absence

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

One of Rhode Island’s biggest job creators now forced to put workers on furlough.

Nearly 150 employees at Electric Boat in Quonset will now be temporarily out of work.

It is not for a lack of work. There is plenty to be done down in Quonset, but a lack of building materials is slowing things down.

138 electric boat workers in Quonset are taking a voluntary leave of absence until October.

The Providence Journal reports the workers mainly welders, shipfitters, and pipefitters took the 45 day leave until more building material arrives.

This comes after the company announced earlier this year they would be hiring 336 new employees at Quonset this year.

Governor Gina Raimondo visiting the facility just last month.

“I’ve put a program in place and were taking direct action. I’m making sure that every single Rhode Islander has the skills they need to get a good job.

Electric Boat is currently building the Virginia class of attack submarines as a part of a 17.6 billion dollar contract for the U.S. Navy.

Due to that lucrative deal, the company is expecting to expand their workforce by 4,000 people over the next 15 years.

The employees on furlough will return to work in mid October and they will receive full benefits during their leave of absence.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016