Pratt & Whitney writes to striking workers detailing ‘last, best and final’ contract offer
Harriet Jones
Pratt & Whitney machinists on strike Monday outside the jet-engine maker’s East Hartford facilities.
Pratt & Whitney has written a letter to striking machinists laying out the terms of what it says is its “last, best and final offer” in contract negotiations.
The letter (shown below) from Jill Vichi, chief human resources officer at the East Hartford-based jet-engine maker, was sent to union members of the IAM Locals 700 and 1746, giving details of the offer that was presented to the negotiating team last month.
Some 77% of more than 3,000 union members voted to go on strike during a contract ratification meeting Sunday, May 4. The strike began at midnight that night.
“We recognize the skill, commitment and pride you bring to your work at Pratt & Whitney,” the letter begins. “Like you, we’re disappointed by this strike. We’ve heard your frustration, your calls for more clarity, and the questions about what was really on the table.”
Vichi continues: “I would like to take this opportunity to explain our final contract offer, which you may not have had the opportunity to understand fully before rejecting. This is important as you consider the impact of this strike on you and your family.”
The letter says that the offer includes 18.6% in wage increases, bonuses and retirement benefits over the next three years, and details adjustments to pensions, healthcare and vacation schedules.
The letter concludes, “the company’s goal remains clear: to reach a balanced agreement that supports employees, strengthens operations and positions Pratt & Whitney for long-term growth.”
Strikers have said their principal concerns in the contract are job security and pension guarantees. Union leaders say the company was not willing to discuss its plans for keeping work in Connecticut as part of the contract negotiations.
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