EAST HARTFORD, Conn.—The 3,000 machinists at Pratt & Whitney said “enough is enough” when the parent company RTX declined to strengthen job security language while expanding a new non-union facility in North Carolina.
The machinists refused to give in on weakened pensions, health care coverage, and wages that didn’t keep up with inflation while the billion-dollar corporation’s profits soared. In the first quarter of 2025, they reported $580 million in profits, up 41% from last year.
That “last, best and final offer” from the company forced the machinists onto the strike line for their future and the future of their families, the whole community, and workers everywhere. Since the May 4 overwhelming vote by the members of IAM Locals 1726 and 700, the company has refused to come back to the bargaining table.
Solidarity has poured forth from workers in other unions—nurses, draftsmen, food service workers, teachers, nursing home workers—led by the entire Connecticut AFL-CIO. Nursing home and group home workers in 1199 came to the picket line after giving strike notice for 6,000 workers on May 26, as they call upon the state to guarantee funding.
The national president and officers of IAM came to show the support of the entire union across the country. “This company would not be here if it [weren’t] for the IAM and our members. It’s high time this company realizes that!” declared IAM president Brian Bryant.
State and local elected officials and members of Congress gave their support. “When you win for you and your families, you are going to win for working families all across this country,” said US Senator Chris Murphy on the picket line in Middletown.
A video message of international solidarity came from aerospace workers at Embraer in Brazil, which collaborates with RTX. “We might be a thousand miles apart, but your fight is our fight too,” said Herbert Claros. “Stay strong, stay united, and know that you have our full support down here in Brazil.”
When health care coverage was set to expire after two weeks, Access Connecticut offered the workers the opportunity to speak directly with their staff to get help enrolling in the state health insurance and learn about coverage options and financial assistance, saying, “We’re here to help you stay covered.”
Contributions began coming into the strike fund and food pantry. The strike stayed firm at the state’s second-largest industrial employer.
As the strike entered its third week, 2500 UAW Marine Draftsmen at Electric Boat, the state’s largest industrial employer, were set to go out on strike. That week, they had come to the IAM picket line to show solidarity. Electric Boat saw that strength. At the 11th hour, the company brought the union a better offer, and the UAW negotiating team recommended approval of the new contract.
The very next morning, Pratt & Whitney agreed to come back to the bargaining table later in the week. They are meeting as we go to press, a testament to the strength of the Pratt workers and their determination to stay on the picket lines and get a fair deal.
There is something powerful about walking the picket line with striking workers and sharing stories.
In East Hartford at the Silver Lane entrance, shop steward Mike Oziomek used his bullhorn to say to passing cars, “We are fighting to keep Pratt & Whitney jobs here in Connecticut. Thank you for your support!”
He told the People’s World, “We are on strike on day 14 against corporate greed RTX. Last quarter, RTX made $150 billion, and this year, they fired 300 [salaried] employees. Now that’s the corporate greed right there. Help support us on our strike against corporate greed. Give us a fair contract and we will go back to work.”
In Middletown on Saturday, strike picket captain Pete Caruso used the bullhorn to share important news. “Alright, listen up! You can now get on the state’s health insurance. Don’t forget to go down to the union hall and get those healthcare forms filled out, guys.”
Asked about his experience during the strike, Tom Kaweski, with six years of seniority, emphasized the strong bonds among union members. “Day and night, morning, noon, and night, we’re together,” he explained. “Our unity keeps us upbeat and positive, no matter the time.”
While the workers are assigned two four-hour shifts a week, many come every day. A strong kitchen committee within the union actively supports the strike by keeping the picket line stocked with food, coffee, and water.
“I was already scheduled to retire in August,” said one woman. “I’m here because the union has made everything possible for me. I am able to help my whole family with the wages and benefits we have won in the union, and I want to make sure they are there for the next generation.”
The strike has increased pressure on the state legislature to pass SB 8 Unemployment Insurance for striking workers, which could be a deterrent to companies refusing to bargain in good faith.
Jahmal Henderson and Tom Connolly contributed to this story.
We hope you appreciated this article. At People’s World, we believe news and information should be free and accessible to all, but we need your help. Our journalism is free of corporate influence and paywalls because we are totally reader-supported. Only you, our readers and supporters, make this possible. If you enjoy reading People’s World and the stories we bring you, please support our work by donating or becoming a monthly sustainer today. Thank you!
CONTRIBUTOR
