New Contract Provides More Money to Cover Health Care Costs

Teamsters at Local 1150 voted Sunday to return to their jobs at Sikorsky Aircraft, winning concessions from the company to help cover the rising cost of health care, an issue that the Teamsters noted "is quickly becoming a national crisis for all workers in the country."

The 3,600 Sikorsky workers, who went on strike February 20, narrowly approved the contract by only 72 votes with a final tally of 1,488-1,416. The union vowed to continue their fight for affordable health care for all Americans against the onslaught of corporate greed.

"The Teamsters stood together in solidarity not just for ourselves and our families, but on behalf of all working Americans who find themselves slipping away from the middle class and the American dream," said Rocco J. Calo, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1150.

"We will return to our jobs with our heads held high, knowing that our courageous actions against the power of big business in this country will ultimately make a difference."

United Technologies Corp., the parent company of Sikorsky, has spent millions of dollars to force huge cuts in health care benefits for all of its hourly workers across the board.

The Teamsters claim that, "Sikorsky is flush with cash, having reaped enormous profits in the wake of America's war on terrorism. Because the war is far from over, the company stands to receive millions more in taxpayer dollars in the months and years ahead. Elected officials in Connecticut and across the country harshly criticized UTC and Sikorsky executives throughout the strike for failing to negotiate in good faith, and for the lack of accountability to the American taxpayers."

"The arrogance of Sikorsky has been astounding," said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President.

"As one of our country's major defense contractors, Sikorsky throughout this ordeal showed its disdain for workers, our elected officials and ultimately, the American taxpayers. This company is the poster child for bad behavior and corporate greed. We will continue our fight against this company and against the growing, unchecked power of all of big business in America."

Sikorsky Statement

"We are pleased that our workers have ratified the contract," said Sikorsky president Jeff Pino.

"Sikorsky now enters an exciting new era with tremendous opportunities for all of our employees, and the communities where we live and work. We remained focused on the future and are steadfast in our commitment to providing our customers with the world's best vertical flight solutions."

Employees will begin returning to work over the next seven days. All Sikorsky facilities will be operating at full capacity by April 10.

FMI: www.teamster.org