About 3,000 union members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers went on strike at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut. The strike began early Monday after contract negotiations over wages, retirement benefits, and job security failed. Approximately 77% of nearly 2,100 union members voted to approve the strike, the first since 2001. Their contract expired late Sunday. Union officials stated that the company’s offer does not address their concerns. Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., described its latest wage and retirement proposal as competitive, highlighting higher pay, better retirement savings, more days off, and flexibility. The company’s latest contract proposal includes an immediate 4% wage increase, followed by increases in 2026 and 2027, along with a $5,000 contract ratification bonus and enhanced pension benefits. Pratt & Whitney manufactures engines for commercial and military jets.
— new from AP News
