More than 250 members of IAM Union Local 1211 in Erie, Pennsylvania, have voted to strike against Parker Lord. The workers manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace sector. This action comes after ongoing disagreements over economic issues.
The union has not experienced a strike since 1974, when they walked out against their previous employer, LORD Corporation. In 2019, Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation. Since then, the relationship between management and unionized employees has worsened.
The main issue is wages that union members say have not kept up with rising living costs during the past five-year contract period. According to the union, despite attempts to negotiate a fair agreement, Parker Lord has not provided proposals that meet worker needs.
The strike is scheduled to begin at midnight on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
“Our members have shown patience and professionalism for years,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. “But after decades without a strike, this vote reflects how serious these economic concerns have become and how determined our members are to fight for fair wages and respect on the job.”
IAM Local 1211 says it remains open to negotiations and calls on Parker Lord to recognize its workforce’s value by offering an improved proposal.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
