DeLauro Urges Sikorsky Negotiations Resume Immediately
DeLauro Urges Sikorsky Negotiations Resume Immediately
STRATFORD, Conn. - In a letter to company and union management, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today urged both sides of the contract negotiation to resume talks immediately. DeLauro plans to visit with striking workers at Gate 2 later today.
"Sikorsky workers are some of the most-skilled in the country, and our men and women in uniform depend upon the outstanding products that the company's workers construct. Today, the company faces record amounts of work orders for military and commercial helicopter and parts production," wrote DeLauro.
"With continued significant defense contracts likely to be awarded to Sikorsky this year, it is vital that this dispute be resolved as quickly as possible. I know that you have agreed on numerous aspects of the contract, and that health care remains the disputed issue. I believe that finding common ground on this key issue is possible. And I am confident that the best way to find a resolution in this critical area that is both fair to Sikorsky's highly-skilled workers and reasonable for the company is by restarting negotiations immediately."
The full text of the letter follows.
February 22, 2006
Mr. George David Mr. Rocco Calo
President and CEO Secretary-Treasurer, Local 1150
United Technologies Corporation 150 Garfield Avenue
United Technologies Building Stratford, CT 06615-7101
Hartford, Connecticut 06101
Dear George and Rocco:
I am writing regarding my concern over the strike at Sikorsky Aircraft. I understand that the Local 1150 began its strike Monday after negotiations to finalize a new contract were unsuccessful. My concern is now that talks have stalled there is no apparent mechanism for progress. I ask that all parties come back to the table to resolve this dispute and agree upon a new contract.
Sikorsky workers are some of the most-skilled in the country, and our men and women in uniform depend upon the outstanding products that the company's workers construct. Today, the company faces record amounts of work orders for military and commercial helicopter and parts production. It is my understanding that Sikorsky currently has more than $7.5 million in pending business. This amount will only increase over the course of this year. The President's Fiscal Year 2007 budget request includes additional orders for 79 Black Hawk helicopters and their variants. Congress may further increase Black Hawk procurement through the coming appropriations process. I am also convinced that, should the competition for the Air Force's Search and Rescue helicopter be determined fairly, Sikorsky will have even more work to do later this year.
With continued significant defense contracts likely to be awarded to Sikorsky this year, it is vital that this dispute be resolved as quickly as possible. I know that you have agreed on numerous aspects of the contract, and that health care remains the disputed issue. I believe that finding common ground on this key issue is possible. And I am confident that the best way to find a resolution in this critical area that is both fair to Sikorsky's highly-skilled workers and reasonable for the company is by restarting negotiations immediately.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. Please let me know if my office may be of use to you during the course of your discussions.
Sincerely,
ROSA L. DeLAURO
Member of Congress
CC: Mr. Steve Finger, President, Sikorsky Aircraft
http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/February/sikorsky_negotiations_2_22_06.html