Dodd Discusses Shipyard Deal with EB Workers
(New London-WTNH) _ Connecticut's lawmakers are trying to lend a helping hand to thousands of workers at Electric Boat. EB's parent company General Dynamics has offered $1.4 billion for a rival shipyard in Virginia. If the takeover goes through it's not clear what will happen to the Groton shipyard and its employees.
News Channel 8's Peter Standring reports from our Southeastern Newsroom at The Day.

Workers at Electric Boat are looking for some guarantees. There's a corporate takeover on the table and their jobs are at stake. After 22 years here John Worobey is worried.

John Worobey, EB Employee: "I don't think anybody can give us an assurance that no jobs will move down there. We just really don't know what the future can bring."

Not even with the help of Sen Chris Dodd. This morning the senator met with EB workers to update them on their company's proposed takeover of the Newport News shipyard in Virginia. Late last week, Dodd met with the head of General Dynamics, which owns EB. He says he was told that a takeover wouldn't necessarily cost people here their jobs. In fact he says merging with the rival sub builder may ultimately work to their advantage, but unfortunately it's not a promise.

Sen. Chris Dodd: "A merger could actually be beneficial here, at the very least be neutral, could be beneficial, that was the language we were given, but again, I'm not relying on that as an assurance."

No one here is. Indeed most of the workers are afraid their jobs will be sold down the river.

Ken DelaCruz, Metal Trades Council: "We've got the best work force in the world and we just hope that when it comes down to the dollars and cents that we're not the ones left out."

But if the takeover is approved, someone is bound to be left out. Who wins and who loses is anybody's guess.

Bill Postler, EB Employee: "I'd like to see something come out, I know it's hard for them, but I'd like to see something that says: 'we're gonna do the work here men, we're gonna give you some work'."

In the end Dodd could only pledge to keep a close eye on all this. If it goes through - and appears as though the Groton yard or the workers are in jeopardy - he says he will fight this takeover tooth and nail. The hope by many is that fight won't be necessary. The deal still needs to be approved by a number of higher authorities, including the Justice Department and the Pentagon.

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