Pratt & Whitney faces first strike since 2001: 3,000 workers demand better working conditions

Some 3,000 unionized Pratt & Whitney workers went on strike Monday at plants in East Hartford and Middletown, Connecticut, following the failure of negotiations over wages, retirement benefits and job security. It is the first strike the company has faced in more than two decades, at a critical time for the aerospace and defense industry.

77% of the nearly 2,100 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers International Association rejected the company's latest proposal, precipitating the force action after the previous labor contract expired Sunday night.

"Pratt & Whitney is a giant in the industry because of the dedication of our workers. This offer does not address our legitimate concerns and we will continue to fight for a fair contract."said David Sullivan, vice president of the union.

Protests in the rain and fear for job stability

Defying the inclement weather, the workers gathered in front of the facilities, carrying banners with slogans such as "I'm on strike against Pratt & Whitney!", "Solidarity for Security". y "Together We Rise".

One of the protesters' main fears is the possibility that the company will move jobs out of Connecticut to other plants in Georgia, calling into question the job stability of local workers.

"We want to stay in Connecticut for a long time, but they're taking that away from us. We're middle class, blue collar workers, and they're trying to dismantle it."said Scott Westberg, one of the striking employees.

RTX defends its proposal and activates contingency plans

Pratt & Whitney, part of the RTX Corp. conglomerate, defended its latest offer, claiming that it is competitive and that its employees are among the best paid in the region.

"Our proposal includes higher salaries, better retirement savings plans, more days off and greater work flexibility."said the company in a statement.

However, the company confirmed that, for the time being, it will not resume negotiations and has activated contingency plans to maintain operations and meet its commitments to its customers.

Economic pressure from tariffs and a complex financial context

This strike comes in a difficult economic environment for RTX, which anticipates a negative impact of up to $850 million on its profits due to trade tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace divisions will each absorb more than $400 million of this impact.

Despite these challenges, the company maintains a forecast of adjusted sales between $83 billion and $84 billion by 2025, with first-quarter operating profit of $1.5 billion, of which $590 million came directly from Pratt & Whitney.

The company's latest offer included an immediate 4% salary increase, increases of 3.5% in 2026 and 3% in 2027, a $5,000 ratification bonus and enhancements to pension benefits and 401(k) savings plans.

Political support for the workers and expectation of an agreement

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz urged the parties to resume negotiations. Members of the congressional delegation and Democratic state legislators also expressed support for the unionized workers.

As the strike continues, the industry's attention is focused on the ability of the two sides to reach an agreement that will end the dispute and ensure production of key engines such as the GTF engines for Airbus aircraft and the F135 used in the F-35 Lightning II fighters.

Source: https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2025/05/05/thousands-of-machinists-strike-at-jet-engine-maker-pratt-whitney/