Sikorsky plans more layoffs after Army cuts program

STRATFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Sikorsky plans to lay off more employees across its U.S. locations, the company confirmed to News 8 on Tuesday.

“As a result of the U.S. Army’s recent decision to cancel the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, we are reducing positions within our Sikorsky business segment, which amounts to less than 1% of the Lockheed Martin workforce,” a Sikorsky spokesperson said in a written statement. “We intend to retain as many roles as possible to meet national security commitments and preserve the U.S. rotary wing industrial base.”

Last year, Sikorsky announced that it would lay off 179 employees in Connecticut as part of cuts to the rotary and mission systems program after the company lost the chance to create a helicopter that would have replaced the Black Hawk.

In a statement Wednesday, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said the company will eliminate as many as 400 jobs in Connecticut.

“Our commitment to workers and the future of manufacturing in Connecticut is ironclad, and my office stands ready to assist those impacted by these layoffs in any way we can,” Murphy said.

On Tuesday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called the news “a call to action” to “aid the workers and communities most directly impacted, but also to enhance investment in our defense workforce.”

“Sikorsky’s engineers are among the best in the world and my office stands ready to do whatever we can to help all the workers who are affected by this deeply disappointing decision,” a written statement reads. “These men and women are desperately needed throughout the defense industrial base, and I am confident their skills are critical to maintaining our national security.”

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) also shared her disappointment.

“I believe that keeping good, high-skilled manufacturing jobs in Connecticut is essential, and it has been a top priority of mine throughout my career,” she said in a written statement. “I have spoken with Sikorsky leadership to discuss their plans and the ways we can work together to keep jobs in Connecticut. For the workers who will be impacted, I am ready to offer my assistance. Sikorsky and its employees are the lifeblood of our community, and I will continue to do all I can to ensure the company has the resources to remain competitive and continue to create good-paying jobs in Connecticut.”

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