Fail To Ratify New Contract

Workers are heading to the picket lines outside Sikorsky plants in Connecticut and Florida, after members of Local 1150 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters failed to ratify a new three-year labor contract with the company Sunday.

The agreement covers 3600 employees in Stratford, Bridgeport, Shelton, and West Haven, CT, as well as West Palm Beach, FL.

"At approximately 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, February 19, union members voted overwhelmingly to reject the company offer and to strike against Sikorsky Aircraft," the union, Local 1150 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said on its website.

By voting not to accept the company's offer, bargaining unit members of Teamsters Local 1150 have gone out on strike effective midnight, February 19.

"We are disappointed that union members failed to ratify the contract," said Elizabeth Amato, Vice President, Human Resources and chief spokesperson for Sikorsky's negotiating committee. "The company presented what we believe is a fair and equitable contract that is competitive with the region and the industry."

Amato added that the company remains open for work.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.teamsters1150.org/