About 3,000 members of Pratt & Whitney workers rejected the company’s latest offer and voted to go on strike Sunday, International Association of Machinists Union Locals 700 and 1746 in Greater Hartford announced.
In a statement, the union said a strike would go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 5.
“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.”
According to the negotiating committee, the company failed to adequately address the membership’s top concerns about wage and retirement security and offered nothing to improve job security.
“Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This offer does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision — we will continue to fight for a fair contract.”
The East Hartford aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor issued a statement to all employees on Sunday:
“We expect the following next steps to occur:
At present, no further meetings are scheduled between the company and the union.
In preparation for this potential outcome, a contingency plan is now in effect to ensure the company can use all means available to maintain operations.
No one other than the authorized spokespeople from RTX Communications should comment or speculate on this publicly, including commenting on personal social media accounts.”
Meanwhile, the union said it looks forward to returning to the table with Pratt and Whitney’s leadership.
“We advocate daily for the well-being of our IAM family at companies across North America. Our membership is respected globally and deserves an agreement that reflects that,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Pratt and Whitney offered an agreement that the membership ultimately rejected, but we look forward to returning to the table with Pratt and Whitney to iron out an equitable agreement for both parties.”
State government leaders weighed in on the strike vote late Sunday.
“Pratt and Whitney is a world leader in manufacturing aircraft engines because of their amazing workers, who are critical to the success of our nation’s manufacturing future,” said Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. “We strongly encourage the company’s leadership and the machinists union to come together to reach a fair deal that is negotiated in good faith.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Sen. Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), co-chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Pratt and Whitney strike:.
“We stand in solidarity with the machinists at Pratt & Whitney. These workers are vital to Connecticut’s economy and national defense, and they deserve a fair contract that reflects their contributions. We urge Pratt & Whitney to return to the table with a genuine commitment to negotiating in good faith. A strong middle class begins with strong labor protections, and Connecticut’s future depends on honoring the dignity of work.”
