MIDDLETOWN LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS, CITING JOB SECURITY, GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Middletown state legislative delegation today announced its full support for the Pratt & Whitney workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), who are set to go on strike starting at midnight.

The workers are demanding stronger job protections amid escalating fears that the company could relocate key manufacturing operations to Germany or North Carolina.

The Pratt & Whitney facilities in Middletown produce the F135 engine for the F-35 fighter jet and the advanced, fuel-efficient Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines used in Airbus’ A320neo aircraft.

These are highly strategic, high-skill manufacturing operations critical to both U.S. defense and international aerospace commerce. Parent company RTX recently announced stronger-than-expected earnings, but warned investors that tariffs could cost the company $850 million in 2025.

Middletown’s lawmakers are sounding the alarm about the broader risks at stake—not only to local jobs but to economic stability and national security.
“I have deep respect for the hardworking members of IAM Locals 700 and 1746, and I stand with them as they raise their voices for fair treatment and long-term security,” State Representative Kai Belton said. “These machinists play a critical role in Connecticut’s economy and deserve a contract that reflects their value and dedication. I hope both sides can return to the table and reach an agreement that honors the contributions of these skilled workers and supports strong, stable jobs in our communities.”

“The workers in Middletown and East Hartford helped build Pratt & Whitney’s legacy through generations of hard work, innovation, and excellence,” said Senator Matt Lesser. “Now, with global tensions rising, they’re rightly demanding job security and respect. These jobs must stay here.”

“The hardworking employees of Pratt & Whitney helped make Connecticut a leader in aerospace manufacturing. Now these workers would like basic assurances their jobs won’t be shipped overseas or sent to other locations,” Sen. Jan Hochadel said. “Sadly, the federal mediators who have helped resolve these conflicts in the past are no longer available. I stand firmly with these dedicated workers, who want to ensure they can continue to provide for their families.”

“I am proud to stand in solidarity with the workers of Pratt and Whitney,” State Rep. Brandon Chafee said. “Pratt and Whitney has been a major employer in Connecticut since it was founded here one hundred years ago. These workers are an integral part of our community, and they deserve decent wages, benefits, and assurances that their jobs won’t be shipped overseas to further enrich shareholders and executives. I am urging management to come to the table and bargain in good faith with the workers who have made the company what it is today.”

Lawmakers also raised concerns about increasing economic disruption tied to President Trump’s renewed tariffs on European aerospace components and ongoing tensions with NATO allies. These dynamics threaten global supply chains and could complicate the production of both military and commercial engines.

The delegation called on RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, to return to the bargaining table with good-faith proposals that protect jobs, honor the workforce, and invest in Connecticut’s manufacturing future.

The lawmakers also plan to join workers on the picket line this week.