Negotiations are underway for thousands of IAM members at Pratt & Whitney in the greater Hartford, Conn., area. IAM Locals 700 and 1746 (District 26) have joined together with a shared purpose: to advocate effectively for their members’ rights and needs.
Pratt & Whitney produce and maintains jet aircraft engines for military and commercial jets, such as the KC-46 air refueling tanker, the F-35 joint strike fighter, and the A320 commercial airliner.
“This committee will ensure that our membership’s voice is heard at the table during negotiations with Pratt & Whitney,” said Jeff Santini, IAM District 26’s Directing Business Representative and Organizer. “We are a highly skilled workforce that builds, tests, and maintains the world’s best commercial and military engines.”
Healthy wages that are in line with the rising cost of living and inflation are top priorities in these negotiations. Furthermore, the committee is focused on improving language on guaranteed work protections and ensuring retirement security, which the membership has voiced as top concerns.
IAM members are part of a highly skilled workforce that undergoes rigorous training, guaranteeing that every engine meets the precision and durability required for military and commercial operations.
Additionally, union contracts help secure fair wages, benefits, and job stability, reducing turnover and maintaining a knowledgeable workforce with deep expertise in aerospace manufacturing. This stability is essential for maintaining a consistent production pipeline, preventing delays, and ensuring that military and commercial customers have the necessary equipment to remain operational and practical.
“IAM members at Pratt & Whitney are pivotal in building engines for military aircraft that are crucial to ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability in national defense,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Securing an industry-leading contract isn’t just beneficial to our members; it’s also beneficial to the company.”
In the face of evolving global security threats, relying on union workers helps safeguard the integrity of defense technology and the well-being of those who manufacture it. Moreover, commercial customers maintain an efficient fleet with highly engineered and manufactured products.
“The IAM is committed to securing a fair and just contract for our members at Pratt & Whitney. Our highly skilled workforce is the backbone of this company’s success, and they deserve an agreement that recognizes their dedication and contributions,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We will continue to stand strong, united, and determined to achieve the best possible outcome for our members and their families.”
The current contract expires at midnight on May 4, 2025.
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