CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — State lawmakers commend Pratt & Whitney union members’ new contract agreement Tuesday following a nearly month-long strike with the company.
The agreement was confirmed by a spokesperson with Pratt & Whitney, who said Connecticut IAM employees voted to ratify a revised new contract offer, marking the end of the strike.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) showed her support for the resolution in a written statement.
“I am glad IAM Locals 1746 and 700 and Pratt & Whitney reached a resolution. When workers fight together, their unions can achieve outcomes that reflect their true value. These highly skilled workers fuel our state economy and contribute to our national defense, and this new agreement means all parties can move forward with renewed stability. I will always stand with workers fighting for fairer wages and strong benefits.”
For weeks, union members endured rain, cold and long nights as they negotiated a new contract. The previous one expired on May 4, when strikes began.
“Connecticut’s skilled machinists have a long history of making the most advanced and reliable engines in the world at Pratt & Whitney, right here in East Hartford and Middletown,” State Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.) said. “I am glad to see an agreement for better wages and benefits that honors their work, as well as a firm commitment from RTX to grow its workforce in Connecticut. I applaud the 3,000 machinists who courageously stood up for the dignity of work during this strike and congratulate IAM leadership and RTX on successful negotiations for a new contract agreement.”
Striking points in the negotiations included higher wages and pensions for younger workers.
Sen. Stephen Harding (R-Conn.) said this shows how unaffordable the state can be for employers and their employees.
“Pratt & Whitney and its workers are part of the backbone of Connecticut’s economy. This strike showed how unaffordable Connecticut is for both job creators and their employees. Gov. Lamont: Senate Democrat leadership’s priority legislation is to give taxpayer-funded unemployment benefits to striking workers. A veto threat from you would be very helpful, because that anti-business bill essentially tells companies to not do business in Connecticut. These strikes will continue to happen in the future unless and until we turn Connecticut’s anti-job creator policies around. Republicans at the State Capitol continue fighting to lower energy costs, lower taxes, defend our government spending caps, and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government.”
Sen. Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) said he’s proud of the union members.
“I am proud of the several thousand union members who made the difficult decision to strike and through their reserve and good faith negotiations have secured a more fair agreement that better reflects the critical importance of their work. For centuries, unions have supported working men and women, strengthened the middle class and increased wages for all workers. It was an honor to walk the picket lines with workers in my district in Middletown and also in East Hartford, and I will continue to protect the rights of organized labor.”
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