More than 800 members of UAW Local 5101, representing workers at Woodward MPC, have voted by 71% to authorize a strike after months of company stall tactics and unfair labor practices during contract negotiations the UAW claims. Woodward workers voted to affiliate with the UAW last fall.* “Since then, the company has committed over three dozen unfair labor practices, including total refusal to negotiate with the union. Workers are fighting for industry-leading wages, fair progression, time off, and job security.,” according to the UAW. [The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America – AutoCrat] The workers at Woodward build commercial and military aviation equipment for Woodward’s customers, including the U.S. Government and Boeing among other companies.
“UAW members at Woodward have sent a clear message to the company,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.** “Stop with the illegal delay tactics, bargain a fair agreement, or we’re ready to strike. Management has a choice to make: negotiate a contract, or face a strike.”
“Woodward has made over $1.7 billion in profits since 2020, and has paid its CEO over $30 million in that time-frame, while workers struggle to make ends meet,” the UAW said in a release. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado with locations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. [Chip Blankenship is the Chairman and CEO, Woodward. Year-to-Date 2026 Net earnings through April 29 were $2.1B, +26%. “We delivered outstanding second quarter results reflecting robust demand and strong execution across both segments,” said Chip Blankenship. “Aerospace performance was largely driven by continued strength in commercial services activity and OEM demand. Industrial grew across the board in transportation, power generation, and oil and gas. Based on our first half performance and continued demand strength, we are raising our full-year outlook. We remain focused on executing in a dynamic environment while continuing to invest in innovation and operational excellence to deliver sustained profitable growth and long-term shareholder value.” – AutoCrat.]**
*AutoInformed on
**Woodward says it is “an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control solutions for the aerospace and industrial markets. Our aerospace systems and components optimize the performance of fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms in commercial, business and military aircraft, ground vehicles and other equipment. Our industrial related systems and components enhance the performance of industrial gas and steam turbines, reciprocating engines, compressors, wind turbines, electrical grids and other energy related industrial equipment. The company’s innovative fluid energy, combustion control, electrical energy, and motion control systems help customers offer cleaner, more reliable and more efficient equipment. Our customers include leading original equipment manufacturers and end users of their products.”
“Our membership can’t wait another 9 months for a fair contract,” said UAW Local 5101 President Jose Tapia. “Now is our time at Woodward MPC, and we are ready to do whatever it takes to win our fair share.”
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
UAW to “Practice Pickett” Tomorrow at Woodward MPC
More than 800 members of UAW Local 5101, representing workers at Woodward MPC, have voted by 71% to authorize a strike after months of company stall tactics and unfair labor practices during contract negotiations the UAW claims. Woodward workers voted to affiliate with the UAW last fall.* “Since then, the company has committed over three dozen unfair labor practices, including total refusal to negotiate with the union. Workers are fighting for industry-leading wages, fair progression, time off, and job security.,” according to the UAW. [The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America – AutoCrat] The workers at Woodward build commercial and military aviation equipment for Woodward’s customers, including the U.S. Government and Boeing among other companies.
“UAW members at Woodward have sent a clear message to the company,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.** “Stop with the illegal delay tactics, bargain a fair agreement, or we’re ready to strike. Management has a choice to make: negotiate a contract, or face a strike.”
“Woodward has made over $1.7 billion in profits since 2020, and has paid its CEO over $30 million in that time-frame, while workers struggle to make ends meet,” the UAW said in a release. Woodward is a global company headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado with locations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. [Chip Blankenship is the Chairman and CEO, Woodward. Year-to-Date 2026 Net earnings through April 29 were $2.1B, +26%. “We delivered outstanding second quarter results reflecting robust demand and strong execution across both segments,” said Chip Blankenship. “Aerospace performance was largely driven by continued strength in commercial services activity and OEM demand. Industrial grew across the board in transportation, power generation, and oil and gas. Based on our first half performance and continued demand strength, we are raising our full-year outlook. We remain focused on executing in a dynamic environment while continuing to invest in innovation and operational excellence to deliver sustained profitable growth and long-term shareholder value.” – AutoCrat.]**
*AutoInformed on
**Woodward says it is “an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control solutions for the aerospace and industrial markets. Our aerospace systems and components optimize the performance of fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms in commercial, business and military aircraft, ground vehicles and other equipment. Our industrial related systems and components enhance the performance of industrial gas and steam turbines, reciprocating engines, compressors, wind turbines, electrical grids and other energy related industrial equipment. The company’s innovative fluid energy, combustion control, electrical energy, and motion control systems help customers offer cleaner, more reliable and more efficient equipment. Our customers include leading original equipment manufacturers and end users of their products.”
“Our membership can’t wait another 9 months for a fair contract,” said UAW Local 5101 President Jose Tapia. “Now is our time at Woodward MPC, and we are ready to do whatever it takes to win our fair share.”
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.