Pratt & Whitney is an American aircraft engine manufacturer of products widely used in both civil and military aircraft. As one of the "big three" aero-engine manufacturers, it competes with General Electric and Rolls-Royce, although it has also formed joint ventures with both of these companies. In addition to aircraft engines, Pratt & Whitney manufactures gas turbines for industrial and power generation, marine turbines, and rocket engines.

The company’s over 38,500 employees support more than 9,000 customers in 180 countries around the world. “We are prepared to defend our rights, and our members’ jobs, by whatever means are possible. If that means going back to court, we’ll be there,” said District 26 DBR Everett Corey. “We know that it will definitely mean being ready to fight in the contract negotiations coming up.” 

The IAM questions the planned job cuts, given the current work schedule at the facility. Hourly employees have been working 10 hours a day, instead of the normal eight hour shift, and have been asked to come in on Saturdays and Sundays as well. The union also questions why the Cheshire facility will not consider the use of furloughs rather than the drastic step of permanent layoffs.  Furloughs have been utilized in both the Middletown and East Hartford plants in order to address work downturns without resorting to permanent layoffs.