3,000 International Association of Machinists (IAM)-represented Workers employed at Jet Engine Maker Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut have gone on Strike as negotiations over wages, retirement benefits and job security broke down. Workers - represented by Locals 700 and 1746, are on the picket line in East Hartford and Middletown after 77% of nearly 2,100 Union Members voted to approve their first Strike since 2001. Their contract expired late Sunday. “Our Committee worked tirelessly to advance our Member’s voices to the company and the company simply failed to bring to the table an agreement that we felt comfortable recommending to our Membership,” said IAM District 26 Directing Business Representative Jeff Santini. “At the end of the day, the Membership always has the final say.” IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan said: “Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our Membership makes it so. This offer does not address Membership concerns. We will continue to fight for a fair contract.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Thousands of machinists go on strike at jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney | AP News And IAM Members at Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut Vote to Reject Company Offer, Strike for Fair Contract - IAM Union