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.