EAST HARTFORD, CONN. – Over 3,000 members of Machinist (IAM) Locals 700 and 1746 hit the strike picket lines at the first minutes of Monday, May 5 against the billionaire Pratt & Whitney corporation. The company refused to move on key demands for job security, pensions and better wages, despite soaring profits which increased more than 162 percent over the last three years.
Pratt & Whitney is the second largest industrial employer in Connecticut and the contracts that the workers win there set the standard for all other union contracts in the state. The largest employer, Electric Boat, is facing a possible strike on May 19 (see separate story).
On Sunday 2,100 members packed Oakdale Theater and overwhelmingly voted to 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.
“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 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.
About dignity and respect
“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,” he said.
Last year, Pratt & Whitney made approximately $2 billion in profits. In the just first quarter of 2025, Pratt & Whitney made about $580 million in profits – up 41% from the same time in 2024.
Solidarity came forward immediately with an emergency alert from the Connecticut AFL-CIO calling all unions to visit the 24 hour, seven days a week picket lines.
Speaking on behalf of the IAM at the statewide May Day march held in New Haven, John Harrity announced that the 3,000 workers at Pratt & Whitney authorized a strike. “If we go on strike will you join the picket line?” he asked the crowd of several thousand. “Yes,” was the answer that came roaring back. “Will you stand with us?” Another “Yes” roared back.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal was one of many elected officials who came to the picket lines in the early morning hours to show support. “These workers deserve to organize for fair pay, good jobs, safe working conditions. They’re asserting their rights not only for themselves, but for all other workers across the country. Their fight is all of our fight. That’s why I’m proud to stand here.”
“Connecticut’s future depends on honoring the dignity of work.” said State Senators Martin Looney, Bob Duff, and Julie Kushner.
Michael Lamoureux, who chairs Local 700’s strike committee said “The overwhelming turnout and overwhelming strike vote were done in solidarity. It showed we are really willing to stick together to fight against the company.”
“We’ve seen no continuous improvement towards job security,” he added. “Our retirement security is another big one. The company has been trying to do away with pensions for multiple contracts now. There is a big push towards pension. Our wages have not increased at the same rate as inflation. We are just getting by.”
The last two strikes were in 1985 and 2001. Each lasted two weeks.
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