About 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have launched strike action at the Pratt & Whitney plants in Hartford and Middletown, Connecticut, after turning down a proposed three-year employment contract.
Members of Connecticut IAM Locals 700 and 1746, District 26 declared a strike starting May 4, 2025. Their existing agreement was valid until 11:59 local time (ET) the same day.
Picketing workers lined and crossed streets at manufacturing locations in East Hartford and Middletown from 00:01 local time on May 5, 2025.
STRIKE: Members of IAM Locals 700 & 1746 at Pratt & Whitney have voted to go on strike! Picket lines start at 12:01AM on Monday. @IAM_Union @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/We4QTiAmii
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 4, 2025
The company said its latest contract proposal included an 18.6% increase in total pay, bonuses, and retirement benefits over the next three years. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney proposed a 4% wage increase right away, plus a $5,000 bonus when the contract is approved.
According to the IAM union negotiating committee, the company failed to adequately address the membership’s top concerns regarding wage and retirement security and “offered nothing” to improve job security.
“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,” said IAM District 26 Directing Business Representative Jeff Santini. “At the end of the day, the membership always has the final say.”
In a statement Pratt & Whitney answered these claims, stating that the company had offered “fair and equitable wage and benefits package” and are “disappointed” that an agreement was not reached.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont praised Pratt & Whitney’s workforce, calling it the driving force behind the company’s leadership in engine manufacturing. He urged company leadership and the machinists’ union to “come together to reach a fair deal negotiated in good faith.”
The IAM union said it “looks forward to returning to the table with Pratt and Whitney’s leadership.” However, at present, no further meetings are scheduled between the company and the union.
