CT Democrats join picket lines in photo-op

How are we going to attract companies into CT when our elected officials join the picket line for photo ops? That is what is happening at the machinist strike at Pratt and Whitney in Middletown, CT. On May 5, about 3,000 members of the machine union (IAMAW) walked off the job. They are seeking higher annual wage increases along with an increase in benefits (e.g. full health care coverage and job guarantees) unavailable in the private sector.

Taking sides with labor just for a photo-op instead of trying to solve the high cost of living in CT, is a tactic being used by our Democrat politicians. CT Attorney General William Tong, posted a sign on Instagram "IAM on Strike" with a caption praising the machinists as the "backbone of Connecticut's economy". Also joining the political circus were our two U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) who said here, "I stand with the machinists" and Chris Murphy (D-CT) who told strikers here, "You are going to win."

Adding insult to injury, our Democrat-run CT legislature in Hartford has put forth legislation to pay workers while they are striking. This was shot down by the governor last session. Now the lawmakers are coming back with a proposal to allow strikers to collect unemployment benefits after only two weeks on strike. These lawmakers are turning worker's compensation from a system designed to help people who lost their jobs to a system that forces employers to bankroll the strikes being waged against them.

Job security is a big concern for these workers, as it well should be. Pratt & Whitney has invested in facilities in other states such as North Carolina, a more business friendly and less expensive place to operate.

Between the Lines: The message is clear, if you're an employer in CT, don't expect your elected officials to stay neutral. Even more clear, if you were thinking of setting up shop in CT, think again.

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