Pratt & Whitney Experiences Labor Unrest as 3,000 Employees Go on Strike

In the world of aviation, a significant development has unfolded. On Sunday, October 10, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) initiated a strike against Pratt & Whitney, an aircraft engine manufacturer based in Connecticut. This marks the first such action against Pratt since 2001.

The strike has affected approximately 3,000 workers from Locals 700 and 1746, who have voted down a proposed contract put forward by Pratt & Whitney, citing concerns about wages, retirement benefits, and job security. The union is particularly worried about potential job losses and the possibility of Pratt & Whitney moving jobs out of Connecticut to Georgia.

Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, believes the offer extended to workers is fair and competitive. However, the IAM is insistent on higher pay, better retirement savings, more days off, and more flexibility for its workers.

The strike could potentially delay or halt the company's recall and inspection work, which was initiated earlier this year due to contaminated metals in thousands of aircraft powerplants. Pratt manufactures engines for military and commercial aircraft, including the GTF for Airbus commercial jets and the F135 for the Lockheed Martin F-35. Several U.S. airlines have been impacted by the recall, including JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and Hawaiian.

Despite the ongoing strike, Pratt & Whitney has contingency plans in place to maintain operations and meet customer commitments. It's important to note that, according to available data, there is no documented Pratt & Whitney strike in 2023 related to aircraft engine recalls or job security guarantees.

The recent contracts secured by Pratt & Whitney, such as the nearly $2.9 billion deal awarded in August 2025 covering 141 F135 engines through February 2028, reinforce continued engine production and workforce stability rather than disruptions or recalls. These contracts, managed primarily by the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command, involve extensive industrial production across multiple U.S. locations, supporting over 67,000 jobs and 240 suppliers.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has released a statement calling on both sides to "come together to reach a fair deal that is negotiated in good faith." As the negotiations continue, the aviation industry and the public alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.