WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (AP) - Machinists at Hamilton Sundstrand approved a new three-year labor contract Sunday, avoiding what would’ve been the first strike at the aerospace manufacturer in 47 years.
About 800 of the over 1,100 unionized workers showed up for the ratification vote, and 94 percent approved the deal, said James Parent, a representative of District Lodge 26 of the International Association of Machinists.
Had workers rejected the contract, they would have gone on strike at midnight Sunday, the union said.
The deal includes annual raises of 3.5 percent, increases to the pension plan, and a $3,000 signing bonus, which the company agreed to match at 50 percent if the money is put in an employee savings plan, Parent said.
Workers will have to pay more for health care, but Parent said the signing bonus more than made up for that.
Kevin Ruffer, vice president of human resources and chief spokesman for the Hamilton Sundstrand negotiating committee, said the company was also pleased with the deal.
Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., manufactures aerospace systems for NASA, including the astronauts' spacesuit and space capsule toilet, and is a supplier for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It also is the manufacturer of auxiliary power systems for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is to begin service next year.
