More than 250 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1211 in Erie, Pennsylvania have ratified a new four-year contract with Parker Lord, ending a two-week strike. The workers manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace industry.
This agreement follows a rare labor action; IAM Local 1211 had not gone on strike since 1974, when their employer was LORD Corporation. Relations reportedly worsened after Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019, culminating in the recent work stoppage over economic issues and wage stagnation relative to inflation.
The new contract includes annual wage increases of 3.5% over four years, a $2,000 signing bonus in the first year and a $500 bonus in the second year, with total bonuses ranging from $2,000 to $12,000 depending on eligibility. Members will also receive two additional paid holidays (for a total of 13), an extra half-day personal day (totaling five), improved retirement eligibility restoring full pension benefits when age plus years of service equals 90 instead of 95, annual pension increases of at least $1 per year during the contract period, four weeks paid parental leave, and expanded vacation benefits including one week for employees with less than one year of service.
“These gains represent real progress for working families,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This agreement proves what IAM members can accomplish when they stand together and refuse to back down. The members of Local 1211 showed remarkable solidarity, and their unity delivered real economic improvements and renewed respect on the job.”
“The bargaining committee and shop stewards did an outstanding job representing the membership,” said IAM District 98 Directing Business Representative Kevin Hallam. “This agreement shows what can be achieved when working families stand united and demand a fair share of the value they create.”
“Our members stood strong and showed incredible unity during this difficult process,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. “This agreement reflects the power of solidarity and ensures that our members receive the respect, security, and economic fairness they deserve.”
“This contract is a direct result of the determination and courage shown by the members of Local 1211,” said IAM District 98 Business Representative Tony Polacci. “They sent a clear message that they would not accept falling behind, and their resolve at the bargaining table made these gains possible.”
Members are scheduled to return to work starting Monday under terms that union leaders say deliver significant financial improvements as well as enhanced retirement security and family-related benefits.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in sectors such as aerospace manufacturing, defense contracting, airlines operations, shipbuilding industries as well as railroads.
