Pratt & Whitney Machinists Strike Over Job Security, Wage Demands

Around 3,000 unionized machinists at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut have gone on strike after contract negotiations over wages, retirement benefits, and job security broke down, marking their first walkout since 2001. The union, representing workers at East Hartford and Middletown sites, overwhelmingly voted to strike, citing concerns about inadequate wage increases, weakening retirement benefits, rising healthcare costs, and fears of jobs being relocated to other states. Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., maintains that its latest contract offer includes competitive wage increases, a $5,000 ratification bonus, and improved pension and 401k options, arguing that its workforce is among the best compensated in the industry. Union leaders, however, argue the offer fails to address members' key concerns and criticize the company's negotiation tactics and decision to impose unpaid furloughs earlier this year. Political leaders, including Connecticut's governor and U.S. senators, have urged both sides to negotiate in good faith to reach a fair agreement. The company has said it has contingency plans to keep operations running and currently has no immediate plans to resume negotiations.