New Sikorsky Contract Has Pay Raises, Benefit Increases

Sikorsky employees have overwhelmingly agreed on a new four-year contract for the company's 4,500 union workers in Connecticut and Florida.

Teamsters Local 1150 approved a four-year contract with a 2.5 percent pay raise, the Connecticut Post reported Sunday. It was approved by a 2,098-66 vote and takes effect this week.

Union secretary-treasurer Rocco J. Calo told the Post the contract did not have to be renewed until February, but workers could have faced higher health deductibles if they waited.

"Today's ratification of the contract by union members concludes productive negotiations in which both sides worked hard to reach an agreement that is fair to our employees while helping Sikorsky to remain competitive," said Sikorsky spokesperson Paul Jackson in a statement, according to the Post.

The company has faced layoffs, most recently in June, when about 200 employees — most in Stratford — were let go. Calo said more layoffs could have been possible if the recent government shutdown had gone on longer.