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ERIE, Pa., Jan. 26, 2026 – More than 250 members of IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 1211 (District 98) who manufacture vibration and motion control components for the aerospace industry have voted to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with Parker Lord, ending a historic two-week strike and securing significant economic, retirement, and quality-of-life improvements for members and their families.
The new four-year agreement marks a major milestone for IAM Local 1211, whose members had not experienced a strike in more than five decades. Their previous strike occurred in 1974 against their former employer, LORD Corporation. Since Parker Hannifin acquired LORD Corporation in 2019, relations with employees had steadily deteriorated, leading to the recent strike over unresolved economic issues and the company’s failure to keep wages competitive with the rising cost of living.
At the heart of the negotiations were wages that had failed to keep pace with inflation over the previous five-year contract. Through member solidarity and determined bargaining, IAM Local 1211 secured strong, guaranteed wage increases in each year of the agreement, along with meaningful improvements to time off, retirement eligibility, bonuses, and family-supporting benefits.
In addition to wage increases, the agreement delivers immediate financial relief and long-term retirement security, while expanding paid time off and modernizing benefits to better support working families.
Key highlights of the new agreement include:
“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.”
IAM Local 1211 members will return to work for first shift on Monday, Jan. 26 under the new agreement, which delivers meaningful economic improvements, strengthened retirement security, and enhanced time-off and family benefits – providing a strong foundation for the future.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
