Amid machinists’ strike, Pratt & Whitney details ‘commitment to Connecticut;’ touts more than $550M investment since 2019
COSTAR
Pratt & Whitney’s East Hartford headquarters at 400 Main St.
Pratt & Whitney has posted a web page addressing striking workers’ concerns over job security in Connecticut.
The page, titled “Pratt & Whitney’s Commitment to Connecticut” details the jet-engine maker’s investments in the state, and addresses its future plans in general terms.
More than 3,000 machinists walked off the job Sunday night after a strike vote taken by members of IAM Locals 700 and 1746 at the company’s East Hartford and Middletown manufacturing plants. It’s the first such work stoppage in more than 20 years.
Union leaders have said their key demands include assurances on job security, because of concerns that Pratt may move production work on key engine programs out of state.
On the web page, Pratt states:
“We have invested more than $550 million in Connecticut since 2019. During the period that spanned the last contract between IAM and Pratt & Whitney we invested $300 million…Nearly 500 employees were hired for production roles in East Hartford and Middletown covered under the collective bargaining agreement.”
The company goes on to detail the investments it has made to enhance the manufacturing line in Connecticut producing its geared turbofan engine for the Airbus A320neo jet, and new manufacturing capabilities on the military’s F135 engine.
It also says it has added repair work on both engines to its East Hartford facility.
On Pratt’s future in the state, the web page states that Connecticut is the hub of its engineering for commercial, military and classified programs.
“East Hartford and Middletown lead the way in high-complexity manufacturing, final engine assembly and innovation,” it goes on. “Based on our current business outlook, we’re making multi-year investments here because:
The skilled talent and experience in this region are highly valued
Our supply base is strong and deeply rooted in Connecticut
We have built long-term trust with our employees and local communities”
Union leadership has accused the company of refusing to address job security concerns during recent contract negotiations.
Pratt & Whitney last year submitted a plan to the town of East Hartford to build a new large-scale office building in town.
The company, however, placed no timeline on the project, and said the town’s approval wouldn’t guarantee it happens.
In addition to its Connecticut investments, Pratt has also recently expanded its plant in Jupiter, Florida; added 325 jobs in Asheville, North Carolina; made a $200 million investment in Columbus, Georgia; and in October, opened its largest military engines facility in Oklahoma City — a new 845,000-square-foot plant.
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