EAST HARTFORD – Machinists ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement with engine-maker Pratt & Whitney Tuesday morning thus ending a three-week strike.
Approximately 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Worker (IAM) Union Local 1746 and Local 700 (District 26) voted by 74% to ratify the agreement with the engine maker. Members are expected back to work Thursday, according to the company.
“Our committee worked tirelessly to ensure our members’ priorities were heard, and this agreement is a direct result of that determination,” said IAM Union District 26 Directing Business Representative Jeff Santini. “We are proud of what was achieved at the table and even prouder of the solidarity shown by our membership throughout this process.”
IAM leadership credited the strength and unity of the membership in securing an improved offer from the company.
“Pratt & Whitney is a leader in the aerospace industry because of the dedication and skill of our members,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The voice of the membership was heard loud and clear — and this new agreement reflects the value they bring to Pratt & Whitney. I commend this committee for reflecting the will of the membership.”
The company issued the following statement earlier today:
“This contract recognizes the skill and dedication of our workforce by keeping them among the highest compensated in their field, while ensuring the company is well-positioned for the future. As Pratt & Whitney marks its 100th anniversary, this outcome reaffirms our commitment to the people, programs and communities that have powered our legacy—and will shape our next century of aviation innovation.
“We appreciate the collaboration with the union to reach a mutually agreeable contract. Thank you to all the employees who supported the Operations Contingency Plan to help us meet customer commitments.”
IAM members at Pratt & Whitney produce and maintain jet aircraft engines for military and commercial jets, such as the KC-46 air refueling tanker, the F-35 joint strike fighter, and the A320 commercial airliner.
Some highlights of the agreement ratified by IAM Union Local 1746 and Local 700 (District 26) members include:
Job Security: Continued operations in East Hartford and Middletown facilities through 2029. No involuntary layoffs if parts are subcontracted for more than 90 days without a return date. New agreement regarding job protections for turbine airfoil production and a voluntary separation program.
Contract Term: New four-year contract from May 28, 2025 to May 4, 2029.
Wages: Six percent increase in the first year (includes $0.57 cost-of-living adjustment added to base pay, 2% special adjustment, and 4% general wage increase).
Future general wage increases: 3.5% (2026), 3% (2027), and 3% (2028).
Promotions: Pay increase of $1 or up to the maximum pay for the new job level, whichever is less.
Pension Plan: Pension payment amount increases from $94 to $113 (effective June 1, 2025). Pension plan contributions end December 31, 2028, and a savings plan will begin January 1, 2029. New options for retirees to receive their pension as a lump sum or while still employed.
Savings Plan: The maximum weekly matched contribution rises to $115 by 2028, matched 100%. Company automatic contributions increase each year with the GWIs, starting at $118 in 2025.
Work Schedules: More flexible workweek options for employees.
“We fight every day for the well-being of our IAM members across North America,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This ratified agreement is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the importance of respecting the workforce. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Pratt & Whitney in a way that strengthens both our members and the company.”
IAM members were supported on the picket lines by the Connecticut AFL-CIO and from the likes of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S Sen. Chris Murphy, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Rep. John Larson, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, State Attorney General William Tong, State Treasurer Erick Russell, as well as many other state and local officials.
State Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bon Duff (D-Norwalk) applauded the efforts of the union members.
“We applaud the 3,100 members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 700 for their courage and resilience in striking to successfully secure more wage, job, and retirement security in their new four-year contract with Pratt & Whitney,” they stated. “Striking is never an easy decision to make, and it is often less an easy decision to endure. But union membership – which was once the hallmark of America’s middle class – continues to prove its value in securing fair wages and working conditions for the quarter-million unionized workers in Connecticut, which has one of the highest union memberships in the country.
State Republican leader Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding Pratt & Whitney machinists approving a new contract and ending their strike.
“Pratt & Whitney and its workers are part of the backbone of Connecticut’s economy,” Harding said.
“This strike showed how unaffordable Connecticut is for both job creators and their employees.”
