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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News Shipbuilding has formalized a new policy restricting personal cellphone use during scheduled work hours, sparking debate among employees and drawing criticism from a local law firm.
In a message distributed to employees, the shipyard stated that “personal cellphones must be stored in a toolbox, desk drawer, purse, backpack, or similar space during working hours. According to the policy, personal cellphone use is only permitted during regular lunch periods.”
The company says the policy is intended to create a safe, secure, and productive work environment.
Reaction among workers has been mixed.
“That’s their policy and I’m eventually sure we’ll learn to adjust to what’s to come,” employee Latoya Parker said.
Another worker, Vernerey Kellum, said the change will have little impact on him.
“I don’t really use the phone,” Kellum said.
Others, however, voiced strong opposition to the restriction.
“I think it’s really ridiculous,” employee Jaecquis Binson said.
“I’m really against it,” added longtime employee Tyriq Allen.
Allen said he is particularly concerned about being unable to communicate with family members in the event of an emergency.
“I was in the shipyard when you couldn’t have phones at all, so by them taking away that policy, I don’t think it’s right because you never know what’s going on at home,” Allen said.
The policy has also raised concerns from Morring Law Firm, which has offices in Norfolk and Newport News. In a statement to 13News Now, the firm questioned the motivation behind the restriction.
“Is this policy truly about safety? Or is it about controlling the narrative when injuries and fatalities occur?” the statement said.
The law firm is urging Newport News Shipbuilding to revisit the policy and consider changes that balance workplace safety with employees’ ability to respond to emergencies involving their families.
Some workers hope a compromise can be reached.
“Maybe we can come to a common ground for the safety and what’s best for the employees as well,” Parker said.
For now, the cellphone policy remains in effect.
13News Now also reached out to Labor Union 888 for comment. The union declined to comment.
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