More than 250 members of IAM Local 1211 in Erie, Pennsylvania, have voted to go on strike against Parker Lord. The union members produce vibration and motion control components for the aerospace industry. This decision marks the first labor dispute for the local union in over fifty years, with their last strike occurring in 1974 when their employer was LORD Corporation.
Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019. Since then, relations between management and the union have reportedly declined. The main issue leading to the strike is wages that have not kept up with increases in the cost of living during the past five-year contract period.
Union officials say they made good-faith efforts to reach a fair agreement but did not receive economic proposals from Parker Lord that would meet their needs. The strike is scheduled to begin 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 has indicated it remains willing to negotiate and has called on Parker Lord to offer a proposal recognizing the workforce’s value and skills.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across several industries throughout North America.
