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Thousands of machinists at Pratt & Whitney vote to go on strike

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Thousands of machinists at Pratt & Whitney vote to go on strike


Thousands of machinists at Pratt & Whitney have voted to go on strike on Monday.

Union officials said over 3,000 members of Machinist (IAM) Locals 700 and 1746 are going on strike at Pratt & Whitney’s Middletown and East Hartford plants.

They are reportedly citing inadequate wage increases, weakening of their retirement benefits, rising health insurance costs and a lack of job security commitments.

“For months, we have negotiated in good faith with Pratt & Whitney in hopes of reaching a fair contract that reflects the billions in profits our members make for the company,” said Wayne McCarthy, President of IAM Local 700.

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“This strike is about dignity, respect, job security and protecting middle-class jobs in Connecticut,” Howie Huestis, President of IAM Local 1746, added in part. “We are ready to hold the line for as long as it takes to secure a contract that recognizes the value we create every single day for the company.”

Pratt & Whitney released a statement about the upcoming strike saying:

“Pratt & Whitney’s offer competitively compensates our workforce while ensuring P&W can grow in an increasingly competitive marketplace, creating ongoing economic opportunity in the state of Connecticut. Our message to union leaders throughout this thoughtful process has been simple: higher pay, better retirement savings, more days off and more flexibility.”

“Our local workforce is among the highest compensated in the region and the industry – our offer built on that foundation. We have no immediate plans to resume negotiations at this time and we have contingency plans in place to maintain operations and to meet our customer commitments.”

Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz released a joint statement about the vote to strike saying:

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“Pratt and Whitney is a world leader in manufacturing aircraft engines because of their amazing workers, who are critical to the success of our nation’s manufacturing future. We strongly encourage the company’s leadership and the machinists union to come together to reach a fair deal that is negotiated in good faith.”

The strike is expected to start at midnight on Monday.



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Connecticut

Diesel fuel spill shuts two lanes on I-91 north in Wethersfield

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Diesel fuel spill shuts two lanes on I-91 north in Wethersfield


WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.

Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.

The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.

No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.

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Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.

Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.



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Person hospitalized in Westport crash that briefly closed I-95, officials say

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Person hospitalized in Westport crash that briefly closed I-95, officials say


WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials. 

The crash scene has since been cleared.

Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.

One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.

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The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.



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Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers

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Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers


  • Reviewing contract structures: Examining issues related to pre-need funeral contracts and cremation service agreements.
  • Strengthening oversight: Recommending stronger consumer protections and improvements to state regulation of the funeral services industry.
  • Developing compensation mechanisms: Creating rules for distributing funds to affected consumers and exploring the framework for a future industry-backed guarantee fund.

Deko took to Facebook to share the news.

“I am honored to announce my appointment to the Connecticut State working group focused on reviewing and strengthening Connecticut’s prepaid funeral laws.

This important effort brings together professionals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that prepaid funeral arrangements continue to serve and protect Connecticut families while maintaining the highest standards within our profession.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to this process and look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members of the group.

A special thank you to Senator Paul Cicarella for his confidence in me and for entrusting me with this appointment. Your support and leadership are greatly appreciated. I look forward to helping shape thoughtful policies that will benefit Connecticut families and the funeral profession for years to come.”

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