Striking union workers say UTAS to hold negotiations Tuesday
PHOTO | Mary White
About 190 UTAS workers are striking over inadequate pay and rising healthcare costs.
Union and UTC Aerospace Systems leaders returned to the negotiating table Tuesday morning after 188 aerospace workers in Cheshire walked out on the job to strike more than two weeks ago over pay rates and health insurance coverage.
Mary White, who represents members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 62A as president, said UTC officials were scheduled to pitch a new offer for Cheshire workers who make an average of $19.95 per hour.
White would not comment on the contracts UTC planned to offer at the 10 a.m. meeting.
About 20 IAM strikers took the protest, which began Sept. 17, to UTC’s corporate headquarters in Farmington last week in an effort to make their grievances heard over high-deductible plans and insufficient pay.
White said she is ensure whether the corporate protest encouraged Tuesday's meeting, adding picketers believe UTAS “doesn’t care one way or another” about inking a fair deal.
UTC officials declined to comment on Tuesday’s negotiations.
As previously reported, the two sides had failed to agree on a three-year labor contract that included a 2.5 percent pay increase for workers, which IAM leaders view as a modest uptick in comparison to other UTC aerospace workers in East Hartford and Windsor Locks who make $35 per hour.
UTC said the offer was “fair and equitable” and competitive within the region and industry. Officials said the Cheshire plant at 250 Knotter Dr. will remain open during the strike.
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