Pratt & Whitney and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the union representing around 3,000 striking workers in Connecticut, plan to resume negotiations on May 22, 2025, as the strike continues into its third week.
On May 5, 2025, more than 3,000 Pratt & Whitney workers went on strike, walking out of their jobs at factories in East Hartford and Middletown.
Members of IAM Local Lodge 1746 in East Hartford said in a statement, published on May 19, 2025, that they “don’t know what to expect” and have asked members to “continue to attend all picket assignments to show solidarity and be loud and active.”
Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney announced that it “remains committed to reaching a new agreement that reflects the value of employees’ contributions and supports the long-term future of high-skill manufacturing jobs in Connecticut.”
In a statement published on X, Connecticut AFL-CIO, which represents workers in the state’s unions, said: “IAM Union members have now entered their third week on strike at Pratt & Whitney. Their fight for job security, fair wages, and a secure retirement continues, but they need our help.”
On May 17, 2025, the IAM union said that the striking Pratt & Whitney workers “build engines that power the world”, and all they ask in return is “a fair deal”, arguing that the company’s current proposal “fell short on job security, wages, and retirement.”
Pratt & Whitney said its latest contract proposal included an 18.6% increase in total pay, bonuses, and retirement benefits over the next three years. Additionally, the company proposed a 4% wage increase right away, plus a $5,000 bonus when the contract is approved.
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy participated in the machinists’ strike in Middletown on May 16, 2025. “I’m proud to represent an iconic American company like Pratt and Whitney, but they need to come to the table and give these workers a fair deal,” he announced in a post on X. “Pratt’s profits rose 77% in 2024. Share the wealth.”
