Machinists (IAM) Look to Win at Pratt & Whitney: What It Signals for U.S. Manufacturing

360 employees at the Pratt & Whitney engine repair plant in West Virginia will soon decide whether or not they wish to be represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). This strategic move by the union represents a broader surge in union interest within the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.

Context & Implications

- Geographic Momentum: The petition is part of a coordinated effort to expand IAM’s presence across southern U.S. states, targeting manufacturing hotspots like Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
- Strategic Leverage: A successful organizing drive would empower these workers but could also inspire related efforts at similar plants, amplifying regional organizing dynamics.

Key Takeaways for Employers and Employees

1. The rise of union interest in specialized sectors
This petition shows that even highly technical facilities aren’t immune. Employees are increasingly organizing around workplace safety, skill recognition, and wage fairness.

2. Proactivity matters 
Organizations that wait until a petition hits may find themselves reacting under pressure. Early engagement—especially through confidential employee surveys—can surface concerns and open dialogue before a union arrives.

3. Manufacturing is part of the labor shift 
This expanding interest in organizing indicates that the modern workforce, across industries, values representation and communication—especially in sectors where work can be demanding and highly specialized.

What You Can Do Now

Take a step beyond reactive measures—conduct third-party employee opinion surveys to understand morale, grievances, and expectations. In doing so, you can:

- Detect issues before they fuel organizing drives 
- Demonstrate genuine concern for your team 
- Strengthen retention, safety, and trust

At Action Resources, we help mid-size to national companies use proactive listening to boost morale, transparency, and employee investment in the workplace.

Read more on the Pratt & Whitney petition here: 
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/machinists-file-with-labor-board-unionize-west-virginia-pratt-whitney-workers-2025-06-26