More than 250 members of IAM Local 1211 in Erie, Pennsylvania, have voted to strike against Parker Lord. The union represents workers who manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace sector. This action marks the first labor dispute for the local in over fifty years, with the previous strike occurring in 1974 when employees worked for LORD Corporation.
Since Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019, relations between management and unionized employees have worsened. Union leaders state that wages have not kept up with increased living costs during the most recent five-year contract period. Despite efforts by IAM Local 1211 to negotiate a new agreement, union representatives say Parker Lord has not provided economic proposals that meet their members’ 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 has stated its willingness to return to negotiations if Parker Lord presents an offer recognizing the value and skill of its workforce.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
