More than 250 members of IAM Union Local 1211 in Erie, Pennsylvania, have voted to go on strike against Parker Lord, a manufacturer of vibration and motion control components for the aerospace sector. The decision comes after unresolved economic issues between the union and company management.
This is the first labor dispute for IAM Local 1211 in over fifty years. The last strike occurred in 1974 when members worked for LORD Corporation. In 2019, Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation, and since then, relations between Parker Lord’s management and union employees have reportedly worsened.
The main issue centers on wages that union representatives say have not kept up with the cost of living during the last five-year contract period. Despite negotiations, Parker Lord has not presented an economic proposal that meets union members’ expectations.
As a result, the workers will begin their strike 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 resume negotiations and is urging Parker Lord to offer a proposal that acknowledges the skills and dedication of its workforce.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
