Striking International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union members are due to vote Tuesday May 27 on a new contract proposal by Pratt & Whitney. About 3,000 workers have been since they rejected a previous contract offer on May 4.
The strike involves about 3,000 workers at two Pratt & Whitney plants in Connecticut, where Pratt & Whitney assembles civilian and military aircraft engines. Its product lines include the GTF geared turbofan engine supplied to Airbus for its A320neo jets, among other high-volume aircraft programs; as well as the F135 engine that powers the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Pratt & Whitney suspended negotiations when union members rejected a contract offer on May 4, reportedly by a 77% majority. The company’s offer at that time included an immediate 4% wage increase, a 3.5% increase in 2026, and a 3% increase in 2027. It also offered a $5,000 contract ratification bonus, and improved pension and 401k plan benefits.
Negotiations resumed on May 22.
The jet-engine manufacturer has not commented on the new contract offer. P&W reportedly has assigned non-production engineering employees to staff the operations in East Hartford and Middletown.
According to a message from the union to its members, "On Tuesday, our members will decide if we achieved our objectives around job security, wage security, and retirement security. This new proposal has significant changes/improvements in all three of these core areas."