Pratt & Whitney Ends 3-Week Strike, Talks Resume With IAM

Negotiations between aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) resumed on May 22, following a three-week strike involving over 3,000 workers at the company’s East Hartford and Middletown plants in Connecticut. This marks the first major work stoppage at these facilities in more than two decades.

The strike began on May 5 after IAM Local Lodge 1746 members rejected the company’s contract proposal, citing concerns about job security, wages, and retirement benefits. According to union statements, 77% of voting members opposed the proposed agreement, which included an immediate 4% wage increase, a 3.5% raise in 2026, a 3% increase in 2027, a US$5,000 ratification bonus, and improvements to pension and 401(k) plans.

“The company’s offer does not address the membership’s concerns, and the membership made their decision — we will continue to fight for a fair contract,” said David Sullivan, Vice President of the Eastern Territory, IAM.

Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), reaffirmed its commitment to reaching a new agreement that “reflects the value of our employees’ contributions and supports the long-term future of skilled employment in Connecticut.” The company emphasized its focus on fulfilling customer obligations despite the labor disruption.

In response to the strike, Pratt & Whitney has implemented contingency measures, deploying engineering personnel with manufacturing skills to operate machinery and sustain production. These efforts include work on the GTF (Geared Turbofan) engines used in Airbus A320neo aircraft and the F135 engines that power Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets. Approximately 70% of the company’s GTF engines are produced in Connecticut.

As of early May, nearly one-third of aircraft powered by GTF engines remained grounded due to a manufacturing flaw discovered in 2023. The strike adds further challenges to resolving this issue and meeting delivery commitments to major customers, including Airbus. In an internal letter, the company underscored the importance of workforce contributions and requested employees complete a skills assessment to determine manufacturing capacity during the strike.

The labor dispute has garnered significant political and union support. “Pratt & Whitney must come to the table and offer a fair deal. Their profits rose 77% in 2024. It’s time to share the wealth,” said US Senator Chris Murphy on May 16. The Connecticut chapter of the AFL-CIO and other labor organizations have also expressed solidarity with the striking workers.

IAM representatives have acknowledged uncertainty regarding the negotiations but are urging continued participation in picket line activities to maintain pressure. “We do not know what to expect, but we must remain active and united,” the union told members on May 19.

The IAM previously led a seven-week strike against Boeing in late 2024, highlighting a broader trend of heightened labor activity across the aerospace sector.