Officials keep aircraft jobs in Connecticut
Posted on November 8, 2016
New legislation will help keep aircraft jobs in Connecticut.
Connecticut legislation approves the state’s agreement with Lockheed Martin and will result in keeping Sikorsky Aircraft’s worldwide headquarters located in Stratford through at least 2032, where the company will retain and grow approximately 8,000 direct jobs. As part of the agreement, Sikorsky has also pledged to nearly double its spending of $350 million per year among in-state suppliers.
Today’s ceremony was held at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, which is one of several community colleges in the state that have Advanced Manufacturing Technology Programs, where Connecticut students are obtaining the skills that will prepare them for good-paying manufacturing jobs that companies like Sikorsky need to compete in a 21st Century economy.
“Connecticut is known internationally as a worldwide aerospace leader, and that is because of the strong number of aerospace manufacturers who call our state home in addition to the talented and robust workforce that provide these companies with a skilled aptitude that is second to none,” Governor Malloy said. “This is a bold, forward-thinking agreement that will not only impact thousands of jobs directly at Sikorsky’s worldwide headquarters, but also will have an impact on the hundreds of small businesses who employ thousands more throughout the state and serve as suppliers to the company. Competition in today’s worldwide economic climate is fierce, and Connecticut is showing that we remain a valued leader where businesses can maintain a competitive edge well into the future.”
“Thanks to a talented leadership team and a deeply committed workforce, Sikorsky has a long history of being among the most elite aircraft manufacturers in the world,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “This legislation demonstrates our commitment to their continued success, and Connecticut’s continued economic growth. I applaud Governor Malloy’s leadership, the General Assembly, and the Sikorsky team on this important partnership.”
The legislation was approved in the General Assembly by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 35-1 in the State Senate and 136-6 in the House of Representatives. Several days later, Teamsters Union 1150 voted to approve the state’s agreement with Lockheed Martin.
The Governor thanked the leadership of both parties for coming together to approve the agreement, recognizing the direct impact that it will have on Sikorsky’s 8,000 employees, in addition to the thousands across the state who work for suppliers that have contracts with the company.
