On Monday May 5th, more than 3,000 machinists at jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney went on strike in Connecticut. This strike, which marked their first work stoppage since 2001, stemmed from a breakdown in contract negotiations over wages, retirement benefits and job security. The machinists, represented by IAM Locals 700 and 1746, voted to reject the company’s proposed contract and began picketing at Pratt & Whitney’s plants in East Hartford and Middletown, which manufacture engines for both commercial and military aircraft.
The strike could potentially disrupt Pratt & Whitney’s operations, especially concerning the production of engines for both commercial airliners (like the GTF engine for Airbus) and military aircraft (like the F-35’s F135 engine).
“Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so,” David Sullivan, the union’s eastern territory vice president, said in a statement. ”This offer does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision — we will continue to fight for a fair contract.”
The company is a subsidiary of Arlington, Virginia-based RTX Corp. RTX said its latest wage and retirement proposal was “competitive,” and said its workforce is among the most highly compensated in the region and industry.
“Our message to union leaders throughout this thoughtful process has been simple: higher pay, better retirement savings, more days off and more flexibility,” the company said in a statement. “We have no immediate plans to resume negotiations at this time and we have contingency plans in place to maintain operations and to meet our customer commitments.”
Contract negotiations between Pratt & Whitney and IAM Locals 700 and 1746 concluded with the company presenting its last, best and final offer (LBF) Friday evening. Eligible employees are encouraged to vote at the contract ratification meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut.
The company’s offer included: The offer strengthens total compensation with 18.6% in wage increases, bonuses and retirement benefits over the next three years, ensuring our union workforce remains among the best paid in the region and Aerospace & Defense industry.
Wage increases:
- General wage increases of 4% immediately, 3.5% in 2026 and 3% in 2027
- An immediate $0.57 per hour increase in base wage to reflect the current Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and improved future COLA formula
- Progression increases of $0.20/hour every 16 weeks for employees below maximum rate ($2 per hour over the life of the contract)
Lump sum payment:
- $5,000 bonus payable upon contract ratification
Pension Increase
- 20% increase ($19) to the pension multiplier to $113 per month per year of service before eligible employees transition from the Pension Plan to the Savings Plan (company automatic contributions of $103 per week in January 2028)
- Pension benefits earned through 2027 are yours when you retire
Savings:
- Enhanced 401(k) benefits begin in 2028, including 100% match on contributions up to $115/week and increased company automatic contributions (of $103 per week in January 2028)
Work Commitments and Investment:
- Hundreds of millions of dollars invested in automation, tooling and technology at our East Hartford and Middletown facilities to support GTF and F135 engine work
- Continued focus on training, safety and modernizing our factories to secure jobs and boost performance
Health and Wellness Benefits:
- Maintain current healthcare plan with company HSA contributions
- Increased Life, AD&D and Disability benefits
Worklife Balance:
Additional opportunities for 4×10 and 3×12 shifts
Improved vacation schedule in 2026