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 vote ends a two-week strike that marked the first work stoppage for this group since 1974.
The workers manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace industry. Their previous contract had failed to keep wages in line with inflation, which became a key issue during negotiations. Relations between employees and management reportedly declined after Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019.
The new agreement includes annual wage increases of 3.5% over each year of the contract, along with signing bonuses—$2,000 in the first year and $500 in the second year—with total bonuses ranging from $2,000 to $12,000 depending on tenure and other factors. Additional benefits include two more paid holidays (bringing the total to 13), an extra half-day personal day (for a total of five), improved retirement eligibility allowing full pension benefits when age plus years of service equals 90 instead of 95, yearly pension increases of at least $1, four weeks paid parental leave, two additional vacation days for members with over 15 but less than 20 years of service, and one week’s vacation for those with less than one year on the job.
“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.”
Kevin Hallam, Directing Business Representative for IAM District 98, commented: “The bargaining committee and shop stewards did an outstanding job representing the membership. 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,” added Kermit Forbes, Assistant Directing Business Representative for District 98. “This agreement reflects the power of solidarity and ensures that our members receive the respect, security, and economic fairness they deserve.”
Tony Polacci, Business Representative for District 98 stated: “This contract is a direct result of the determination and courage shown by the members of Local 1211. 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 on Monday under terms designed to address both immediate financial concerns as well as long-term retirement security.
IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in sectors such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing, among others.
