CHESHIRE -- More than a dozen workers are picketing in front of United Technologies Corporation in Cheshire after the union was unable to reach an agreement on wages and insurance.
According to the Record Journal, just after midnight, 188 employees walked off the line after UTC failed to get the two-thirds majority votes needed on the work agreement.
In the article, union representative Mike Stone said that employees in Cheshire make less than those at other locations and that some employees wages might actually drop with UTC‘s latest offer.
The union is also looking into how to address with what Stone says is a series of strong-arm tactics designed to influence the vote on Sunday night.
UTC spokesperson Jessica Napoli said the plant will remain in operation despite the union's decision on the work stoppage.
Napoli also said that negotiations remain ongoing with the union.
You can read UTC's statement below:
UTC Aerospace Systems and Local 62A of the International Association of Machinists (IAM), representing approximately 200 hourly employees at the company’s Cheshire, CT facility, have been unable to reach agreement on a new labor contract. In the negotiation the company presented a fair and equitable contract that is competitive within the region and the industry.
In a separate vote, Union members elected to strike effective midnight, Monday September 17, 2018.
UTC Aerospace Systems will remain open and operate as normal throughout the work stoppage. We have robust contingency plans in place and do not expect the strike to affect our customers or suppliers.Negotiations are on-going and we are committed to reaching a successful outcome with the Union.