Jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney reaches tentative agreement with striking machinists

Pratt & Whitney, a jet engine manufacturer, has announced a tentative agreement with the union representing around 3,000 machinists in Connecticut who have been on strike since May 4. The union members are demanding improved job security, better wages, retirement benefits, and healthcare coverage. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers are set to vote on the revised contract offer on May 27. The company stated that the agreement, reached after resumed talks, addresses key concerns among union members. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The union shared on Facebook that an improved tentative agreement will be presented to the workers for a vote. The union emphasized that it is up to the members to decide if the offer meets their needs so they can return to work on building engines. The strike began after a majority of union members voted in favor of the strike, the first since 2001.

Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., had considered its earlier wage and retirement proposal competitive, highlighting that its workforce is well compensated. The strike occurred as RTX faces potential profit losses due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The company reported significant earnings in the first quarter. The earlier contract proposal included wage increases, a contract ratification bonus, and improved pension and 401k benefits.

Pratt & Whitney is known for producing engines for commercial and military jets, including the GTF line for Airbus and F135 for the military’s F-35 Lightning II. Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal expressed optimism about the tentative agreement, calling it a positive step for the skilled machinists at Pratt.