On Sunday, more than 3,000 machinists from IAM Local 1746 in East Hartford and Local 700 in Middletown voted overwhelmingly to reject management’s “last, best, and final offer”—and to authorize a strike beginning at 12:01 AM on Monday, May 5.
These workers, who keep one of Connecticut’s largest and most important employers running, are taking a stand for fair wages, secure retirements, affordable healthcare, and job protections. Management’s offer fell short across the board: inadequate wage increases, weakened retirement benefits, increasing health care costs, and no real commitments to job security.
These are not just labor issues—they are climate and justice issues, too. The fight for economic dignity is deeply connected to our vision of a just, sustainable future. Strong unions and safe, well-paid jobs must be part of any plan to move our state forward.
Here’s how you can support the machinists in their fight for a fair contract:
📍 Join a 24/7 picket line at any of the locations below. Show up when you can, bring snacks or coffee, and walk the line in solidarity.
🛠️ MIDDLETOWN – 1 Location
- 1 Aircraft Rd
🛠️ EAST HARTFORD – 5 Locations
- Corner of Silver Lane & Roberts Street
- Corner of Willow Street & Main Street
- Corner of Brewer Street & Glenn Rd
- Corner of Ensign Street & Main St
- IAM Local Lodge 1746 Union Hall
We stand in full solidarity with the machinists of IAM Locals 700 and 1746. The Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs believes in the power of worker voices and the importance of strong contracts that protect both people and our planet.
We’ll continue to share updates and additional ways you can support the strike in the coming days. Until then—see you on the line.
