More than 250 members of IAM Local 1211 in Erie, Pennsylvania, have voted to strike against Parker Lord, a manufacturer of vibration and motion control components for the aerospace industry. The decision follows unresolved economic issues between the union and company management.
This marks the first labor dispute for IAM Local 1211 in over fifty years. The last strike by the local occurred in 1974 when employees were working under LORD Corporation. Since Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019, relations between Parker Lord’s management and union workers have reportedly worsened.
The main issue involves wages that union members say have not kept up with the cost of living during their most recent five-year contract. Union representatives state they made good-faith efforts to reach an agreement but claim Parker Lord has not provided acceptable economic proposals.
As a result, union members plan to begin their strike at midnight on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
“Our members have shown patience and professionalism for years,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. “But after decades without a strike, this vote reflects how serious these economic concerns have become and how determined our members are to fight for fair wages and respect on the job.”
IAM Local 1211 says it is willing to resume negotiations and is urging Parker Lord to present a proposal that recognizes its workforce’s value and dedication.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
