STRIKE: Machinists at Pratt & Whitney Going on Strike

WALLINGFORD – Over 3,000 members of Machinist (IAM) Locals 700 and 1746 have overwhelmingly voted to go on strike at Pratt & Whitney’s Middletown and East Hartford plants, citing inadequate wage increases, weakening of their retirement benefits, rising health insurance costs, and a lack of job security commitments.

The strike at both locations will start at midnight on Monday, May 5.

“For months, we have negotiated in good faith with Pratt & Whitney in hopes of reaching a fair contract that reflects the billions in profits our members make for the company,” said Wayne McCarthy, President of IAM Local 700, which represents approximately 1,400 members at the Middletown plant. “The last offer by Pratt was an insult to the machinists who make the best jet engines in the world.”

The Machinist locals represent skilled aerospace workers who build, maintain and test aircraft engines that are used for both commercial aviation and military jets.

The vote, held on Sunday at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, signaled growing frustration with Pratt after a rally in January protested the company’s decision to force workers to take unpaid furlough days despite over $100 billion in back orders.

“This strike is about dignity, respect, job security and protecting middle-class jobs in Connecticut,” said Howie Huestis, President of IAM Local 1746, which represents over 1,600 members at the East Hartford plant. “Workers at Pratt & Whitney in Florida saw larger wage increases than they offered here. We are ready to hold the line for as long as it takes to secure a contract that recognizes the value we create every single day for the company.”

Last year, Pratt & Whitney made approximately $2 billion in profit.

In the just first quarter of 2025, Pratt & Whitney made about $580 million in profit – up 41% from the same time in 2024.

Leadership of IAM remains willing to return to the bargaining table if the company is prepared to present a serious offer that values the quality and skill of its workforce.

# # #