TROY, Ill. – To show support, cars and truck honked their horns as they passed the nearly 400 machinists on strike outside Eaton in both Troy and Highland. The workers are members of Bluff City Lodge 660, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).

What You Need To Know

  • Eaton is facing a strike from their union workers in Highland and Troy, IL

  • The union voted down a 12% raise citing it didn't cover inflation for cost-of-living, they want at least 15%

  • Eaton was surprised about the strike but remain committed in getting a deal done

  • The union says Eaton has had record breaking years, year after year, and they want Eaton to support its workers with higher wages

“Over the years, we’ve come close to striking on a couple of different contracts, said strike captain Jennifer Gray. “In all honesty, we really looked at this contract and 12% over three years with the inflation that’s happened is just not acceptable.”

Eaton, a metal manufacturing business, proposed a contract that’d pay the union an immediate 3% raise, then three more years of 3% raises in January, making a total of a 12% raise in 2026. Union members voted down that contract 266-22.

“Looking at the fact that they’re up there with Boeing as far as Eaton goes in companies, and I would say at least 20% for sure would get us back to the table and negotiating well.”

She said some want to see the raise immediately while other union members would be alright with a scaling up raise, but the majority want at least a 15% raise.

The union also wants a January 2024 Illinois law about paid leave in the contract, and assurance Eaton won't take an employees overtime pay if they call in sick. 

Eaton workers in the Metro East weld cable trays and bolted framing.

The company released a statement about the strike:

“We are disappointed and surprised at the decision to strike, given the unanimous tentative agreement that was reached between Eaton and the Union’s bargaining committee. Still, we remain committed to getting our employees back to work. 

Eaton’s proposed contract is equitable and consistent with nationwide market trends and with our goal of attracting and retaining skilled workers. Eaton’s proposal represents a significant investment in this workforce and in the Highland and Troy, IL communities. 

Our goal remains to work with the Union to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement that reflects today’s business, economic, and competitive landscape.”

Eaton said they’re able to continue serving their customers with contingency plans but are working to getting the Troy and Highland employees back to work.

“(Eaton) has record breaking years, year after year recently, and we just really want to see that come down to us,” said Gray. “We deserve their support for what we do for them – hopefully we’ll come to an agreement soon. None of us want this, but we’ve got to do what’s best for our families.”