Thousands of International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers initiated a strike against Pratt & Whitney at two aerospace engine plants in East Hartford and Middletown, Connecticut, following their contract expiration on May 4. About 77% of the estimated 3,000 members at two IAM locals endorsed the strike, which they had not done in more than 20 years.
“Our committee worked tirelessly to advance our member’s voices to the company, and the company simply failed to bring to the table an agreement that we felt comfortable recommending to our membership,” according to IAM District 26 directing business representative Jeff Santini, in a union release. “At the end of the day, the membership always has the final say.”
The IAM is the same union that conducted an extended strike at Boeing Corp. in September and October 2024.
Pratt & Whitney – the developer and manufacturer of jet engines for commercial and military aircraft – indicated it does not plan to revise its last offer, which includes an immediate 4% wage increase, a 3.5% increase in 2026, and a 3% increase in 2027. It also offer a $5,000 contract ratification bonus, and improved pension and 401k plan benefits.
“Our message to union leaders throughout this thoughtful process has been simple,” according to a Pratt & Whitney statement: “higher pay, better retirement savings, more days off and more flexibility.
“We have no immediate plans to resume negotiations at this time and we have contingency plans in place to maintain operations and to meet our customer commitments.”
David Sullivan, the union's eastern territory vice president, stated that the company’s offer “does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision — we will continue to fight for a fair contract.”
