Connecticut Locals 700 and 1746, Allies Rally Against Furloughs as Pratt & Whitney Contract Negotiations Near

In a show of solidarity and determination, IAM Local 700 and 1746 members rallied outside Pratt & Whitney's Connecticut facilities this week to protest recent furloughs.

According to members of Local 700 in Middletown and 1746 in East Hartford, the move by the company sends a bad message with just three months until negotiations begin.

Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, announced the furloughs citing cost saving measures to maintain their competitive cost structure while meeting customer demands. The decision affects hundreds of machinists in the region, many of whom are critical to the company's operations in manufacturing jet engines for both commercial and military applications.

A Unified Front

Over a loudspeaker at the rally, union leadership expressed unhappiness across a wide spectrum of employees and customers including the U.S. government, considering a nearly $100 billion of back-owed work, the timing doesn't make sense.

In October alone, Pratt and Whitney secured a $1.3 billion contract for F-135 engine upgrades from the U.S. government.

Friday's rally drew dozens of union members and elected leaders. Many held signs with slogans such as "Protect Our Jobs" and "No Furloughs, Fair Contracts." Speakers emphasized the impact of the furloughs on workers' families and the local economy, while also urging the company to approach upcoming negotiations with fairness and respect.

"Our members are amongst the highest-skilled in the industry and it's no small task building these aircraft engines," said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. "They should be in those facilities continuing work that ensures Pratt & Whitney can deliver on their commitments."

Key Issues in Upcoming Talks

While wages, healthcare and retirement remain a priority at the table, an agreement on job security between IAM and Pratt & Whitney and ensuring work remains vibrant in Connecticut for many generations will most likely be a key issue.

IAM members at Pratt & Whitney have long advocated and challenged the company over production work leaving the state. Any such work leaving is widely unpopular. Pratt & Whitney pours millions into the state each year through wages alone and moving work elsewhere would cripple the region in a time where the cost of living is becoming more unattainable. Making such moves would be detrimental to local communities.

Pratt & Whitney has shed 27,000 jobs in the region since the 1980's, when the company employed nearly 38,000 workers - currently the entire workforce stands at around 11,000. With the company investing millions out of state for new manufacturing facilities, the IAM continues to fight to keep work in Connecticut.

Broader Implications

The rally and impending negotiations come at a time of heightened labor activity across various industries in the United States. Workers are increasingly pushing back against corporate cost-cutting measures and advocating for stronger protections and benefits. The outcome of the Pratt & Whitney talks could have ripple effects, influencing labor relations in the aerospace sector and beyond.

Looking Ahead

With the rally underscoring the machinists' resolve, all eyes will now turn to the bargaining table. For IAM members, the message is clear: they are prepared to stand together to secure a contract that reflects their contributions to Pratt & Whitney's success.

Related:
Hundreds of Pratt & Whitney machinists protest furloughs as contract talks approach The Hartford Courant

Machinists protest furloughs outside Pratt & Whitney ahead of contract talks NBC Connecticut

Workers protest furloughs at jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney's plants in CT CT Insider

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