Eaton Aerospace will replace striking Jackson workers; union voting on new contract

JACKSON, MI – United Auto Workers Local 475 members will vote on a contract with Eaton Aerospace, while the company hires permanent replacement workers.

More than 500 employees at Eaton Aerospace, 300 S. East Ave. in Jackson, have been on strike since Sept. 16, after the expiration of their contract.

Related: United Auto Workers on strike at Eaton Aerospace in Jackson

While negotiations over pensions and wage increases have been taking place, members will decide whether or not to accept a new deal presented by the company on Wednesday, Nov. 13, said Kenny Brown, a second shift steward lead at Eaton.

Members rejected a contract proposal at the end of October, UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes said. According to its website , Eaton provided an updated "last, best and final" offer to the union on Friday, Nov. 8.

In the contract, Eaton has offered a lump sum payment of $4,500, as well as a 0.5% increase to general wages in September 2025, according to the website.

"We're confident that Eaton's proposed contract is equitable and consistent with our goal of attracting and retaining skilled workers," Eaton Aerospace Director of Communications Katie Kennedy said in a statement.

Morale is still high among the striking union members, Dawes said. However, Brown said it's 50/50 on how members will vote on Wednesday.

"Some people are not liking it, some people are ready to give up and go back in," Brown said. "My personal feeling, I still think they could do a lot better."

Kennedy said Eaton has also begun to hire permanent replacement replacement employees. So far, the company has had 42 people accept positions, according to the website.

This doesn't worry UAW Local 475, Brown said. Dawes added members are just seeking their fair share.

"My train of thought is it's a scare tactic," Brown said.

The permanent replacements won't begin work until Monday, Nov. 18, and Eaton views this contract as its final offer. If the offer is accepted, employees will be able to return to their jobs, according to Eaton's website.

On Sept. 28, a driver crashed into the picket line at the corner of E. Michigan and S. East avenues, killing 24-year-old Seth Webb and injuring two other Eaton employees.

Related: Driver accused of killing Eaton Aerospace employee in picket line crash arraigned

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