Pratt & Whitney seeks voluntary buyouts

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney is seeking voluntary retirement buyouts for an unspecified number of workers as it cuts its work force to adapt to troubles in the airline industry.

Company spokeswoman Jennifer Whitlow would not say on Wednesday how many workers will be affected.

But James Parent, representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said Pratt & Whitney informed the union Monday it will ask 71 hourly workers to take buyouts. The company also said it would seek buyouts from salaried employees, he said.

The East Hartford-based company cited reduced orders for airline engine spare parts and a delay in Airbus engine orders, Parent said.