Aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney says it has resumed talks with striking machinists as the work stoppage nears its fourth week.
In a statement, the company said it restarted contract negotiations with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) on Thursday. The union represents about 3,000 workers striking at two Pratt facilities in central Connecticut.
“We are committed to continue working towards a new agreement that rewards our employees’ contributions and continues to secure these high-paying, high-skilled manufacturing jobs here in Connecticut,” the manufacturer said.
The machinists rejected a contract offer from Pratt in a vote on May 4, saying it failed to address their concerns about wages, retirement benefits, and job security. Workers on the picket lines have told local media outlets that they are worried the company will eventually move their jobs to Southern states where costs are lower.
Pratt answered that charge in a letter one week ago, saying it is committed to maintaining operations in Connecticut, where it has its headquarters.
The strike turned particularly acrimonious when the company suspended health insurance for the striking employees. The move prompted a rebuke from Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who said the manufacturer is “punishing and intimidating workers” for exercising their rights.
Industry Impact
Pratt is a subsidiary of RTX Corp., formerly known as Raytheon Technologies. It manufactures engines for military and commercial aircraft, including the GTF for Airbus commercial jets and the F135 for the Lockheed Martin F-35. Manufacturing, assembly, testing, and inspection of those engines takes place at both sites now affected by the strike.
While Pratt has not commented on the matter directly, it is possible the work stoppage could further delay deliveries of engines to aircraft manufacturers and in turn slow their deliveries to airlines.
In 2023, the company issued a product recall affecting thousands of aircraft powerplants over contaminated metals that could cause cracking over time. A large number of Pratt-powered aircraft have been grounded in the years since as the company inspects its engines for defects.
