Connecticut-Based Sikorsky Cancels Layoffs As Government Inspectors Return

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Fairfield County-based Sikorsky Aircraft has reversed its position and will not furlough 2,000 workers as planned Monday because military inspectors are expected back on the job despite the government shutdown, the Defense News reported online.

A Blackhawk helicopter flies a low-level mission over Iraq in January 2004. Blackhawk helicopters are assembled in Stratford, Conn.
Photo Credit: *Staff Sgt. Suzanne M. Jenkins, U.S. Air ForcePhoto Credit: S*

by The Daily Voice

10/07/2013 5:00 a.m.

The helicopter-maker said last week it would furlough 2,000 workers Monday and up to 1,000 more by the end of the week at Sikorsky facilities in Stratford; West Palm Beach, Fla.; and Troy, Ala. Defense Contract Management Agency inspectors had been furloughed in the shutdown, which began on Oct. 1. They are needed throughout the military helicopter-assembly process.

The Pay Our Military Act — passed by Congress on Sept. 30 — will allow many Department of Defense civilians who perform essential activities to return to work.

Sikorsky makes the Black Hawk helicopters used by the U.S. military.

Thousands of further layoffs planned by Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems units in Connecticut were also canceled, according to Bloomberg News.

Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems are part of Hartford-based United Technologies, which provides high-technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

Even though the military inspectors are returning to work, the government shutdown continues as the House and Senate battle over the budget and the Affordable Care Act.

Read the full article in The Defense News here.

Read about Sikorsky's original layoff plan here on The Daily Voice.

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