DeLauro: Sikorsky Announcement ‘Devastating'

DeLauro: Sikorsky Announcement 'Devastating'

- Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today issued the following statement upon learning that Sikorsky Aircraft will send commercial work to Pennsylvania. The ongoing strike at Sikorsky is in its sixth week.

"Sikorsky's decision to send commercial work out of Connecticut is unnecessary and premature. I am devastated because the strike has already gone on too long and this news will make it only more difficult to reach an agreement.

"Myself and members of the delegation have been working around the clock to resolve this strike knowing that no worker - regardless of the training they may receive - could replace Sikorsky's specialized workforce. I have offered my office as a negotiating place and Sikorsky has turned me down. I believe Sikorsky's decision to send the work outside of Connecticut is not only rash, but I take it as a personal affront to my commitment to these workers and my attempts to help end this strike.

"For years, I have brought home the work Sikorsky needed to thrive. That work still exists today. I call on Sikorsky to reconsider this decision and for both sides to return to the negotiating table to resolve this strike immediately. The best helicopters are made by the best workers in the world and those products have always been and should continue to be made in Connecticut."

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/March/sikorsky_devastating_3_30_06.html