The big picture:
Over 3,000 machinists at Pratt & Whitney’s East Hartford and Middletown plants have initiated a strike after rejecting the company’s final contract offer. The workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), cited concerns over job security, wage increases, and retirement benefits.
What they’re saying:
Connecticut’s Democratic leaders have expressed strong support for the striking workers:(AP News)
- Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz strongly encouraged “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, Majority Leader Bob Duff, and Senator Julie Kushner issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of fair labor practices and the need for Pratt & Whitney to engage in meaningful negotiations.
- Senator Saud Anwar highlighted the critical role these workers play in the state’s economy and urged the company to recognize their contributions through equitable contract terms.
- Senator Matt Lesser and other members of the Middletown legislative delegation underscored the strategic importance of the Pratt & Whitney facilities and called for job protections amid concerns about potential relocations.
The stakes:
Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., reported a $1.5 billion profit in Q1 2025, with $590 million attributed to Pratt & Whitney. Despite this, the company’s final offer included wage increases and enhanced retirement benefits that the union deemed insufficient. The strike raises concerns about the future of high-skill manufacturing jobs in Connecticut and the potential impact on national defense and aerospace industries.
What’s next:
Union leaders remain open to returning to the bargaining table if Pratt & Whitney presents a more favorable offer. In the meantime, Democratic lawmakers have joined the picket lines, demonstrating solidarity with the workers and reinforcing their commitment to labor rights.
