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 collective bargaining agreement with Parker Lord. The decision ends a two-week strike that was described as historic for the local union, which had not seen a strike since 1974.
The workers, who produce vibration and motion control components for the aerospace sector, had been seeking improved economic terms after years of what they considered stagnant wages. Tensions rose following Parker Hannifin’s acquisition of LORD Corporation in 2019, with employees citing deteriorating relations and concerns over wages failing to keep up with inflation.
The newly approved contract includes annual wage increases of 3.5% over each year of the agreement. It also provides an immediate $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 individual circumstances.
Other changes include two additional paid holidays (raising the total to 13), an extra half-day personal day (for a total of five), improved retirement eligibility by restoring full pension benefits when age plus years of service equals 90 instead of 95, yearly pension increases of at least $1 during the contract period, four weeks of paid parental leave, two extra vacation days for long-serving members with more than 15 but less than 20 years at the company, and one week of new vacation for employees with less than one year’s 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 officials say offer meaningful improvements in pay, retirement security, time off policies, and family benefits.
IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing and other industries.
