Union waits for Pratt & Whitney verdict

East Hartford (WTNH) - Thousands of Pratt & Whitney employees, and employees of sub-contractors, are eagerly awaiting word on the future of the jet engine repair facilities in Cheshire and East Hartford. Negotiations with the Machinists Union concluded yesterday after a one-week deadline extension.

A spokesman for the Governor's office said they have been awaiting word all day on what the company is planning to do. A source, close to the negotiations, revealed to News Channel 8 that we should not expect an announcement this week which could be a good sign; but another source within the company says they don't know when an announcement will come.

It was a last ditch offer from the Governor's office for $100 million in tax incentives to Pratt 12 days ago along with approximately $63 million in concessions and other costs savings proposed by the union that resulted in the deadline of September 6th being extended to yesterday.

The union had requested the extension because Pratt had placed even deeper concession demands on the table.

The company has said it would close both repair facilities by early 2011 without major cost savings.

The tax incentive deal would amount to about $20 million a year for five years. Legislative leaders have already said they are ready to approve the plan in special session.

Both sides have agreed to a news black out while the company makes its final decision. Union leaders have been saying that if there's no deal to keep the work here it will be moved out of state and overseas.