STRATFORD, Conn. — The U.S. Army canceling contracts with Stratford-based Sikorsky is impacting the workforce.
A spokesperson said upcoming layoffs are expected but will impact "less than one percent" of the total workforce of Lockheed Martin, the parent company of Sikorsky. While there are over 122,000 workers within Lockheed Martin, around 7,500-8,000 work at Sikorsky.
Layoffs could mean as many as 400 jobs could be lost in Connecticut, according to Sen. Chris Murphy.
The army has recently canceled two contracts with Sikorsky, first in December 2022 with the cancelation of a helicopter contract and again in February with the ending of efforts to build a new armed scout helicopter known as the Future Attack Recon Aircraft (FARA).
The most recent contract cancelation happened around the same time at least three Sikorsky helicopters were involved in various crashes during military exercises.
When asked which people will be facing layoffs, Sikorsky said in a statement: “We intend to retain as many roles as possible to meet national security commitments and preserve the U.S. rotary wing industrial base.”
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) represents Stratford and said she's spoken with Sikorsky leadership to discuss their plans for layoffs and how they can "work together to keep jobs in Connecticut."
"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 create good-paying jobs in Connecticut," DeLauro continued in her statement.
Gov. Ned Lamont also weighed in on the decision, saying Wednesday morning that he spoke with Sikorsky CEO Paul Lemmo who indeed confirmed that they'll be reducing its workforce in Connecticut.
"It has been well documented that there is high demand for engineering and tech talent in our state right now, so it is our expectation these workers will be quickly and easily absorbed into our manufacturing ecosystem," Lamont said in a statement. "The state, through the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Labor, is working with Sikorsky and other partners to help those impacted, including proactively connecting workers with new job opportunities in-state."
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sikorsky to layoff nearly 200 employees
Lamont said that while the news of the layoffs is "unfortunate," Sikorsky remains committed to the state and will continue to be a contributor to the state's manufacturing and defense sector. Lamont's administration spoke with senior army officials who have expressed "continued and increased support for the Black Hawk program."
Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the news "deeply sad" and said it should be a call to action to aid the workers and communities most directly impacted and to also enhance investment in the country's 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 owners who are affected by this deeply disappointing decision. 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," Blumenthal said in a statement.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: US Navy buying 35 CH-53K helicopters from Sikorsky
Sen. Murphy said the Army's decision to cancel its FARA Program has led to this round of layoffs.
"I will continue to press the Army on their commitment to maintaining the highly skilled workforce at Sikorsky that our nation needs to ensure our military readiness," Murphy said in a statement.
In February, leaders at Sikorsky said the lost contracts were a "major loss" but that they would continue to look for other contracts to replace them.
There's been no update on any new projects gained to help keep everyone on staff at this time.
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