Pratt & Whitney Strike: A Battle for Fair Wages and Job Security
Thursday, May 8, 2025 3:35 pm ET
2min read STRIKE ALERT! The skies over Connecticut are darkening as over 3,000 skilled machinists from IAM Local 700 and 1746 (District 26) at Pratt & Whitney in Middletown and East Hartford, Conn., have hit the picket lines. These workers are fighting for what they deserve: improved wage security, job security, and retirement security. But the current company proposal? It’s a joke! It doesn’t address their core issues, despite the company’s soaring profits.
WHY ARE THEY STRIKING? The workers at Pratt & Whitney are the backbone of the company’s success. They build, maintain, and test the best jet engines in the world. But the company’s latest offer? It’s an insult to their skills and dedication. The workers are demanding better wages, job security, and retirement benefits that reflect the billions in profits they help generate. The company’s last offer included a 4% wage increase, followed by a 3.5% increase in 2026 and a 3% increase in 2027, along with a $5,000 contract ratification bonus and enhanced pension and 401k plan benefits. But the union rejected this offer, indicating a need for further negotiation.
THE UNION’S STAND IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan has made it clear: “I stand behind you and we’re going to fight like hell every day to get what you want.” The union representatives and striking members emphasized the support of IAM and highlighted that the strike is driven by a significant rejection of the company’s offer and a strong desire to protect the future for all generations of workers. The difficulties faced by striking workers, such as the cost of childcare, are also mentioned by several members who are walking the picket lines.
SUPPORT FROM THE TOP The striking members at Pratt & Whitney have received an outpouring of support from the highest levels of state government and leadership in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Governor Ned Lamont tweeted, “Pratt & Whitney is a leader in manufacturing engines because of their workers, who are critical to the success of our nation’s manufacturing future. I strongly encourage their leadership and the machinists union to come together to reach a fair deal negotiated in good faith.” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz also tweeted, “Proud to stand with members of the machinist union to support their work to achieve a fair & reasonable contract. CT is home to the best trained & most highly qualified in the aerospace workforce.”
THE BATTLE CONTINUES The strike at Pratt & Whitney is not just about the workers; it’s about the future of the aerospace industry. The company is a major player in both commercial and military aerospace, producing engines for Airbus commercial jets and the military’s F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The strike could disrupt the supply chain for these critical components, leading to delays in production and delivery for both commercial airlines and military operations.
WHAT’S NEXT? The strike could also set a precedent for labor negotiations in the aerospace sector. Pratt & Whitney is the second-largest industrial employer in Connecticut, and the contracts won there set the standard for all other union contracts in the state. If the union wins significant concessions on wages, pensions, and job security, other companies in the sector may face similar demands from their own workers. This could lead to increased labor costs and potential strikes at other aerospace companies, further disrupting the industry.
THE BOTTOM LINE The strike at Pratt & Whitney is a battle for fair wages and job security. The workers are fighting for what they deserve, and they have the support of the community, the government, and the union. The company needs to come to the table and negotiate in good faith. The future of the aerospace industry depends on it. So, let’s stand with the workers and demand a fair contract!
WHY ARE THEY STRIKING? The workers at Pratt & Whitney are the backbone of the company’s success. They build, maintain, and test the best jet engines in the world. But the company’s latest offer? It’s an insult to their skills and dedication. The workers are demanding better wages, job security, and retirement benefits that reflect the billions in profits they help generate. The company’s last offer included a 4% wage increase, followed by a 3.5% increase in 2026 and a 3% increase in 2027, along with a $5,000 contract ratification bonus and enhanced pension and 401k plan benefits. But the union rejected this offer, indicating a need for further negotiation.
THE UNION’S STAND IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan has made it clear: “I stand behind you and we’re going to fight like hell every day to get what you want.” The union representatives and striking members emphasized the support of IAM and highlighted that the strike is driven by a significant rejection of the company’s offer and a strong desire to protect the future for all generations of workers. The difficulties faced by striking workers, such as the cost of childcare, are also mentioned by several members who are walking the picket lines.
SUPPORT FROM THE TOP The striking members at Pratt & Whitney have received an outpouring of support from the highest levels of state government and leadership in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Governor Ned Lamont tweeted, “Pratt & Whitney is a leader in manufacturing engines because of their workers, who are critical to the success of our nation’s manufacturing future. I strongly encourage their leadership and the machinists union to come together to reach a fair deal negotiated in good faith.” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz also tweeted, “Proud to stand with members of the machinist union to support their work to achieve a fair & reasonable contract. CT is home to the best trained & most highly qualified in the aerospace workforce.”
THE BATTLE CONTINUES The strike at Pratt & Whitney is not just about the workers; it’s about the future of the aerospace industry. The company is a major player in both commercial and military aerospace, producing engines for Airbus commercial jets and the military’s F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The strike could disrupt the supply chain for these critical components, leading to delays in production and delivery for both commercial airlines and military operations.
WHAT’S NEXT? The strike could also set a precedent for labor negotiations in the aerospace sector. Pratt & Whitney is the second-largest industrial employer in Connecticut, and the contracts won there set the standard for all other union contracts in the state. If the union wins significant concessions on wages, pensions, and job security, other companies in the sector may face similar demands from their own workers. This could lead to increased labor costs and potential strikes at other aerospace companies, further disrupting the industry.
THE BOTTOM LINE The strike at Pratt & Whitney is a battle for fair wages and job security. The workers are fighting for what they deserve, and they have the support of the community, the government, and the union. The company needs to come to the table and negotiate in good faith. The future of the aerospace industry depends on it. So, let’s stand with the workers and demand a fair contract!
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