Pratt & Whitney Strike 2025: 3,000+ Workers Demand Better Wages, Benefits & Job Security
Pratt & Whitney Strike 2025: Over 3,000 Machinists Demand Fair Wages and Job Security
In a significant labor action, more than 3,000 machinists at Pratt & Whitney’s East Hartford and Middletown plants in Connecticut have been on strike since May 5, 2025. Represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Locals 700 and 1746, these skilled workers are advocating for better wages, improved healthcare benefits, and stronger job security.
Reasons Behind the Strike
The decision to strike followed an overwhelming 77% vote by union members to reject the company’s proposed contract. The key issues prompting this action include:
Inadequate Wage Increases: The company’s offer included a 4% wage increase in the first year, followed by 3.5% and 3% in the subsequent years. Union members argue that these increases do not keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living .
Rising Healthcare Costs: Employees are facing escalating health insurance premiums and deductibles, making healthcare less affordable.
Retirement Benefits: Concerns have been raised about the weakening of retirement benefits, including pension and 401(k) plans.
Job Security: Workers are apprehensive about potential job relocations, especially after the company’s announcement to create 325 jobs in Asheville, North Carolina .
Company’s Stance
Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., maintains that its contract proposal is competitive. The company highlighted:
Wage and Retirement Enhancements: The proposed contract includes immediate and subsequent wage increases, a $5,000 signing bonus, and enhanced pension and 401(k) benefits .
Operational Continuity Plans: The company has contingency plans to maintain operations during the strike, although union leaders question the effectiveness of these measures.
Impact of the Strike
The strike has significant implications:
Production Delays: The work stoppage has led to delays in assembling and testing jet engines, affecting both commercial and military aircraft production .
Economic Ripple Effects: Local economies in Connecticut and Florida may experience short-term impacts due to reduced operations and spending.
Healthcare Coverage: Striking workers face the imminent loss of health insurance and other benefits if the strike continues into a third week. The company has informed employees that benefits would lapse starting May 19 unless they return to work .
Political and Public Support
The strike has garnered attention from political figures:
Democratic Support: Connecticut’s Democratic officials, including Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, have expressed support for the striking workers and urged both parties to resume negotiations .
Republican Perspective: Some Republican leaders advocate for economic reforms and caution against actions that may increase business costs, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
Looking Ahead
As the strike continues, both the union and the company have indicated a willingness to return to the bargaining table. The outcome of these negotiations will not only affect the immediate concerns of the machinists but could also set a precedent for labor relations in the aerospace industry and beyond.
*For more updates on the Pratt & Whitney strike and labor movements across the country, stay tuned.*
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