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 and brings significant changes to wages, retirement benefits, and quality-of-life provisions for workers who manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace sector.
This strike was the first for IAM Local 1211 since 1974. Tensions rose after Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019, with union members citing declining relations and concerns about stagnant wages amid rising living costs.
The new contract includes annual wage increases of 3.5% over four years. Members will receive a $2,000 signing bonus in the first year and a $500 bonus in the second year, with total bonuses ranging from $2,000 to $12,000 depending on individual circumstances. The agreement also adds two paid holidays—bringing the total to 13—and an additional half-day personal day for a total of five personal days per year.
Retirement benefits have been improved by restoring full pension eligibility when age plus years of service equals 90 instead of 95. Pension payments will increase by at least $1 each year during the contract period. The deal introduces four weeks of paid parental leave and provides extra vacation time for long-serving employees as well as one week of vacation for those with less than one year of service.
“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.”
“The bargaining committee and shop stewards did an outstanding job representing the membership,” said IAM District 98 Directing Business Representative Kevin Hallam. “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,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. “This agreement reflects the power of solidarity and ensures that our members receive the respect, security, and economic fairness they deserve.”
“This contract is a direct result of the determination and courage shown by the members of Local 1211,” said IAM District 98 Business Representative Tony Polacci. “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 January 26 under terms that union leaders say provide stronger economic security, improved retirement options, expanded time-off policies, and better support for families.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries in North America.
