The largest strike in two decades has begun in Connecticut: about 3 workers of the IAMAW (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) union have stopped working at Pratt & Whitney plants, a key manufacturer of aircraft engines for the US military. The action, which started on May 5, 2025, was the first of its kind since 2001 and reflects the growing conflict between the union and the company's management amid the failure of negotiations on a new labor contract. The strike threatens production chains and could affect the supply of engines for military aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II.

According to Defense News, the protests were caused by the workers’ categorical rejection of the contract proposed by the company: 77% of union members rejected it, calling the terms insufficient. The workers’ main demands include higher wages, better pension conditions, and guarantees to preserve jobs in Connecticut, where there is a risk of moving production to other states with lower costs. Pratt & Whitney proposed a phased increase in wages - 4% in 2025, 3,5% in 2026 and 3% in 2027, as well as a one-time bonus of $5000 and an improvement in the pension fund. However, the union, as Reuters reports, considered these measures “inadequate”, pointing to the rising cost of living and the workers' contribution to the company's success.

The dispute comes as RTX’s parent company is struggling financially. According to Bloomberg, maintaining import tariffs imposed under the Trump administration could cost RTX up to $850 million in 2025 profits, half of which would come from Pratt & Whitney. These economic challenges are heightening tensions in the negotiations as the company seeks to cut costs while workers demand a fair share of profits. On the X platform, users are discussing the strike, noting that it could impact Pentagon contracts, especially in a competitive global aerospace industry.

The strike has received support from local officials and politicians. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and state Democratic congressmen expressed solidarity with the workers, calling on Pratt & Whitney to return to the bargaining table. According to the Hartford Courant, Lamont stressed the importance of preserving jobs in the state, where the aerospace industry is a key employer. The union, in turn, said it was ready to continue the strike until its demands were met, which, according to analysts at The Wall Street Journal, could lead to delays in the production of engines for F-15, F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighters, as well as civilian airliners.

Pratt & Whitney is central to the U.S. defense industry. The company produces engines for most modern U.S. fighter jets, including the F135 for the F-35 Lightning II, which is the backbone of NATO’s air force, Defense News reported. Any disruptions to production could impact the military readiness of the U.S. and its allies, especially as conflicts escalate in Europe and Asia. According to Aviation Week, Pratt & Whitney has been hit by supply chain issues in 2024 that have already caused delays in fulfilling orders, and the strike is making matters worse.