Thousands On Strike At Major CT Employer In East Hartford

EAST HARTFORD/MIDDLETOWN, CT — A contract dispute at one of the state's largest employers has thousands of workers on strike Monday in the greater Hartford area.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), representing 3,000 workers at aerospace engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford/Middletown, announced they are on strike as of Monday morning.

Unionized members are in Locals 700 and 1746 of IAM, with talks breaking off over the weekend on a new contract and no new talks scheduled.

According to an IAM release, citing 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."

As a result, workers are now on strike.

“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.”

“Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so,” added 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.”

According to Pratt & Whitney officials, the company offered the union a "fair and equitable wage and benefits package."

"Unfortunately, union employees voted not to accept the contract. In a subsequent vote, union employees also voted to strike," wrote Pratt & Whitney in a statement Sunday.

"The company believes it provided a fair and equitable wage and benefits package and is disappointed we could not reach an agreement."

Pratt & Whitney said no further negotiations are scheduled and the company has a contingency plan in place to "maintain operations."

State and local political leaders weighed in on the strike, which impacts the lvilihoods of many constituents.

"Pratt and Whitney has long been a cornerstone of East Hartford’s and the entire state’s economy, and a recognized leader in manufacturing thanks to the dedication and skill of its workforce," said East Hartford Mayor Connor s. Martin.

" The employees are the driving force behind the company’s success and play a vital role in our community and the broader future of Connecticut manufacturing. I hope both company leadership and the union representing these hardworking individuals can return to the negotiating table and work toward a fair and equitable resolution."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Monday he's supporting the union's efforts regarding changes in their wages and benefits.

“I stand with machinists in fighting for basic workplace fairness— decent, well-deserved pay, pensions, and job security," Blumenthal said in a statement Monday.

"Workers need long-term certainty in jobs and income to make the American dream real. Our state’s prosperity and progress depend on proper, fair treatment of workers, especially at Pratt where their products are critical to our national defense."

Meanwhile, Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz urged both sides to come to an agreement and end the strike.

“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 Lamont and Bysiewicz in a joint statement.

"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.”

Pratt & Whitney operates a main manufacturing and design facility in East Hartford, with an engine center in Middletown.

For more information on Pratt & Whitney, click on this link.