Your Comments

If unemployment compensation is awarded, it will be a huge miscarriage of justice. Union leadership could have agreed to work without a new contract, sticking to the old contract, until such a time as a new contract could be ratified. However, they were urging a strike or at the very least a major work slowdown before the final contract offer was ever made. This is not a lockout situation, this is a strike. Unemployment benefits are simply not deserved. They should be paid, per the law, to those unemployed through not fault of their own. This is not the case with 1150 workers.

As to the "best workers in the industry" quote, that may apply to some, but I think it's mostly a combination between upholding an image and just maintaining a diplomatic attitude. If you owned a business, for example, would you say that you employed the worst workers in the industry? Of course not. But if Sikorsky really felt that you were indispensable, then wouldn't they have bent over backwards to keep you? They aren't even admitting that yesterday's meeting meant a return to the bargaining table. You can bet your last dollar, which many of you will see soon if you haven't already, that whatever new contract you vote will be much, much less generous than the one you rejected. And that is IF you are even offered another contract to vote on in the first place. Everyone can be replaced. Some of you may get your jobs back permanently, some may come back temporarily, but many of those jobs are gone for good or will be soon. A new day is dawning and if you don't add value, you will be cut loose.

My question is if the Teamsters are such a brotherhood, banding together to fight for each other's rights, looking out for each other, protecting each other, etc., then how can those of you who will be impacted by this strike less financially face those of us who are scared to death we will not be able to feed our children if we do not go back to work soon? Some of you whose children are grown, houses mostly paid off, have spouses with good jobs/insurance or who have fewer financial obligations were able to put more aside for this strike than those of us young guys making less pay, with more dependents, more bills and less ability to hold out indefinitely. Week one hurt. Week two will cripple me. If we stay out longer than a month, my credit may never recover. I'm not just worried about health care anymore, I'm worried about staying out long enough to lose my house, my cars, my credit rating. How can you expect us to continue when we don't have the financial ability to do so? I would have been happy to work to the old contract until we got a new one, anything is better than a strike. I don't know about you old-timers, but Sikorsky has way more money than I do. I'd appreciate it if you would not take me down with you. You may be able to recover from this but I can't.

Did Sikorsky terminate your jobs? According to the letter from United Technologies Health and Insurance Benefits it states, "As a result of _________'s Termination on February 20, 2006, your current group health plan coverage ends....Is a lock out really a termination? Who is going to tell the people whether or not they have all been fired? Maybe that's why noone is talking.

Must be why the union's lawyers are looking into it. It would make sense, if you look at it from the standpoint that the company's obligation to employee the union workers ended when the contract expired. I wonder if it means that if you are hired back, you would all have to start out as new hires? Hmmm...

Broke hourly - My heart breaks for you. Truly. I would never want to be in the position you are right now. I urge you to make the calls you need to.. to HR and the union and NRLB. In the meantime, maybe you should look for another job to help makes ends meet. I think you might feel better about trying to do something proactive.

As far as the unemployment, I'm sorry, but I really don't think that's fair. You all are unemployed because you (the "collective bargaining" you) chose to leave work. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of us taxpayers to have to pay your way because of a choice you made.

The union keeps talking to the strikers about what's fair. They say the contract wasn't fair, but it was. It wasn't what you may have wanted, but it was fair. They say its not fair that your health cover and education bills aren't being covered while on strike, but realistically, I think everyone knows that you can't expect a company to continue to give you benefits when you aren't working for them. The union used the strike as their leverage, Sikorsky is entitled to use the benefits and paycheck as theirs. It makes perfect sense. What you're going through isn't fair because you didn't want it. What Sikorksy's going through isn't fair because as you said the union could have kept working during the process. Stratford having to pick up a large part of the tab for the union decision isn't fair. And the rest of Connecticut paying for the union's decision would be adding another unfair thing to the list. I am so sorry for you, but the only recourse for you and the many many others who feel like you do is to take control of your future now in any way you have to. Good luck to you. My prayers are with you and the other innocent people involved in this on both sides.

First of all, it's not a lockout. The union voted to strike. Whether you voted yea or nay, if you belong to the union, you are "on strike," not "locked out."

A lockout would have been if the company had barred union members from working during negotiations to strengthen their bargaining position or refused to let them work without a contract in the absence of a vote to strike. It's the "you can't fire me, I quit" scenario.

You can't go on strike and then claim lockout when the company won't let you go back in without a new contract. The company has to keep you out to prevent sabotage. (By the way, they are currently investigating some incidences of sabotage that were performed just before the strike and caught on hidden camera.) When government contracts are involved, especially military contracts, the government will not allow you to re-enter the premises until the dispute has been resolved.

Also, Merriam-Webster defines the term "scab," as it relates to labor disputes, as a worker who refuses to join a labor union, a union member who refuses to strike or returns to work before a strike has ended, a worker who accepts employment or replaces a union worker during a strike and/or a worker who works for less than union wages or on nonunion terms. None of these apply to the salaried Sikorsky/UTC workforce or contractors crossing your picket line each day, so for those of you calling them scabs, you are simply a walking, talking billboard advertising your own illiteracy. A scab, when using the term correctly, would be apply to one of your own brethren who meets these criteria.

Hope that clears things up for a few of you.

Sorry, that should read "applied."

From the State of CT web site:

If You Are Involved in a Labor Dispute

You will be ineligible for benefits during any week in which your unemployment is due to the existence of a labor dispute other than a lockout at the factory, premises or other establishment at which you have been employed. You may be found eligible for benefits even if your unemployment is the result of a labor dispute if you can show either:

1. You are not participating in, financing or directly interested in the labor dispute which caused your unemployment and you do not belong to the trade, class or organization whose members worked on the premises immediately before the labor dispute began and are participating in, financing or directly interested in the dispute, or
2. Your unemployment is due to a lockout. A lockout exists when an employer:
(a) fails to provide employment to workers with whom it is engaged in a labor dispute either by physically closing the plant or informing the workers there will be no work until the labor dispute has terminated; or
(b) announces that work will be available after a contract has expired only under terms and conditions less favorable than the last terms and conditions of employment.

In each of the above situations, for a lockout to exist, the workers' union or representative has to inform the employer that the workers involved in the dispute are willing to work under those last terms and conditions pending negotiation of a new contract.

According to the letter from United Technologies Health and Insurance Benefits it states, "As a result of _________'s Termination on February 20, 2006, your current group health plan coverage ends....

This is referring to termination of COVERAGE not employment

I'm no lawyer but if the information from the state is correct , we're dogged and won't get a dime. This will infuriate quite a few people and will really put union leadership to the sternest test yet.

Again, something that should have been considered BEFORE THE VOTE TO STRIKE.

Hey People...I am just reading this "Blog" stuff and I must say...People got some nerve to say we don't deserve unemployment benefits. First of all...All of us who have been working at this place have always (and continues to) pay the tax called "STATE TAX"!! I personally never collected unemployment ever until now. Who cares if we collect for a week or 2 or maybe 3 but at least all of us contributed to it over the years.But I will bet my last dollar that those people who are against the state on this issue that if "you" people were out here...you would want the unemployment benefits as well. But since your not jobless...you can talk all the crap about it. I see how it is. Don't worry guys / gals...this will be over soon. We will be back in work and this whole thing will be forgotten. Stay Strong!! Don't give up and Don't Cross The Line!!! Peace

Dear Bob G.,

Unemployment is for people who become unemployed. It is not for people who choose to quit working. I'm sure we can all appreciate the difference.

According to the 1150 website, "The company and the union have not resumed negotiations. The parties have made an initial contact to explore any opportunity to resume negotiations. Whether that opportunity will present itself requires some additional evaluation."

Excuse me but we are all unemployed right now. We went on strike to fight for better medical. If you try to go into the plant, you will be turned away. Who is making this decision? Is it the Union? NO!! Is it the Security? Maybe. Why? Is it Sikorsky themselves turning us away? I think so. Well if that is the case then guess what? Sikorsky says stay back which means you can't go in resulting in some kind of lock out!! And if it is some sort of lockout then we CAN get unemployment. IT's OUR money..lets use it wisely!!!

Again, more HR propaganda bullshit.
Let's just get to the issue at hand here and get the ball rolling for a fair and truly equitible contract.
The fact of the matter is here that everybody would like to be back to work and if the company offered a fair and equitible contract to everybody we wouldn't be on the strike line.
The company is making record profits. Share the wealth !!!!
the union wasn't asking for major increases in wages they were asking to continue the same benefits the workers already had.Keep[ everything at an even keel.I don't see how the Union is misleading anyone or acting in a greedy manner.
The company basically said here is the package take it or leave it
We chose to leave it

If you are "unemployed," then why are you carrying signs that say TEAMSTERS STRIKE AGAINST SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT? I mean, jeez, it's in big, bold print. STRIKE.

According to CT general statutes, you are ineligible to receive unemployment benefits:

(3) During any week in which the administrator finds that the individual's total or partial unemployment is due to the existence of a labor dispute OTHER THAN A LOCKOUT at the factory, establishment or other premises at which the individual is or has been employed, provided the provisions of this subsection do not apply if it is shown to the satisfaction of the administrator that (A) the individual is not participating in or financing or directly interested in the labor dispute that caused the unemployment, and (B) the individual does not belong to a trade, class or organization of workers, members of which, immediately before the commencement of the labor dispute, were employed at the premises at which the labor dispute occurred, and are participating in or financing or directly interested in the dispute; or (C) the individual's unemployment is due to the existence of a lockout. A lockout exists whether or not such action is to obtain for the employer more advantageous terms when an employer (i) fails to provide employment to its employees with whom the employer is engaged in a labor dispute, either by physically closing its plant or informing its employees that there will be no work until the labor dispute has terminated, or (ii) makes an announcement that work will be available after the expiration of the existing contract only under terms and conditions that are less favorable to the employees than those current immediately prior to such announcement; PROVIDED IN EITHER EVENT THE RECOGNIZED OR CERTIFIED BARGAINING AGENT SHALL HAVE ADVISED THE EMPLOYER THAT THE EMPLOYEES WITH WHOM THE EMPLOYER IS ENGAGED IN THE LABOR DISPUTE ARE READY, ABLE AND WILLING TO CONTINUE WORKING PENDING THE NEGOTIATION OF A NEW CONTRACT under the terms and conditions current immediately prior to such announcement.

In short, it is not a lockout, it was a voluntary strike. Rocco, Harvey, no one formally advised the company that employees want to work. Just the opposite, they advised their union members to strike. It was a voluntary strike and Rocco has stated in the press more than once that it is a strike and that all of you are sticking together, which one can only interpret to mean none of you wants to work. If this is not true, then don't let the union continue speaking for you.

Good God, how many times do you people need to be told that life is not fair?! Grow the hell up! Gimme, gimme, gimme. More, more, more. It's their money, they have a right to do with it as they please. Just because you want it and they won't give it to you does not make it unfair. Some of you sound like a bunch of spoiled brats.

Get back to work sissies.

Earlier statement that the company said take it or leave it. Why would UTC give us a differant medical than its other divisions? Did you know Sikorsky is only 5% of UTC they could shed Sikorsky and ask other divisions to pick up and not miss us. Wake up, Pratt,Otis,Carrier,Hamilton all much larger than us have 80/20 plan what makes you think we will get something differant? Notice you hear nothing from Steve Finger on this. It is out of his hands he is being told to continue operations and plan without us. UTC will deal with labor dispute, and other companies will be contracted to begin assembly of aircraft, and parts from machine shop are being vended out to the many machine shops across the country. Do you think that work is comming back? Do some reserch on our current management and what they did at Pratt. They vendored out most of production, and jet engines come in house in sections prewired and just joined. This concept led to thousands of lay offs at Pratt $ Whitney ,and once they got thru inital hardships turned the company into UTC largest profit maker last year 1.1 Billion in profit. Sikorsky 283 Million. Harvard Buissiness school out lines this transformation in its school text so do you really think UTC is worried about this. Pratt workers after 12 days realized this was a losing battle and forced the union to accept contract.

More legal references from the CT general statutes:

Subdiv. (3):

Refusal of plaintiffs to cross picket lines constituted participation in labor dispute and rendered them INELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION. Id., 695. "Lockout" defined. 137 C. 380. A "lockout" is a withholding of employment by employer in effort to obtain for himself more advantageous terms. Id., 393. Controversy which caused unemployment of plaintiffs was labor dispute within meaning of statute. 139 C. 329. Unemployment was caused by labor dispute rather than lockout. Id., 515. Definition. 142 C. 497. No lockout existed where employer in labor dispute over new contract negotiations closed stores after old contract expired because not advised by employees' bargaining agent that they would continue work pending negotiation of new contract. Employees not entitled to unemployment compensation.

Good points and does anyone know who did the Pratt layoffs? Does anyone know a Tom Hutton?! Why do you think they sent him to Sikorsky, to help you wipe your snot noses with company dollars? Guess again!

Bob G - you are clueless. State tax and unemployment tax are entirely different things. The EMPLOYER pays unemployment taxes. If you strikers listen to the likes of Bob G you will be on the outside looking in for a long time. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT before you make yourselves look even more ignorant.

Lockout info: According to the National Labor Relations Act, the company is prohibited from dealing directly with YOU. It must, by law, work through the union. So all your calls to HR are for naught. Your union must make a formal request that you be let in.

Good day, all
My regards to those with the self respect to post responsibly here and to conduct themselves honorably both here "anonymously" and at the Sikorsky facility. My pity for those whose deportment only underscores their lack of self discipline, hourly or salary. You are short changing yourselves and others. I hope you get a grip on your hatred and emotions and find your compassion for each other.
I've worked at Sikorsky for 28 years. I'm an hourly worker who loves what he does for a living and enjoys the work and the workers both hourly and salary with few exceptions. When asked to go the extra mile because of a need at the factory I do it and feel a sense of pride in being able to perform that task, and proud that I am a worker who is thought of as one that will deliver.
I do not drink (ever), don't use drugs, get perfect attendance most if not all quarters, and don't respond to the "hourly vs. salary" point of view in a positive manner. Let me clarify. I'm on a team made up of people. Some are hourly, some are salary. Some like the we're better than them attitude whether salary or hourly. Doesn't work for me.
I walk the line on gate 1. It doesn't matter if I voted for or against the contract at this point. I am locked out of my job and I'm a union member and I am on strike. I hope that those in the position to affect the outcome of all this are doing their best. I don't for a minute believe that Sikorsky or Steve is my enemy, nor do I believe that Rocco is. I believe that we are all doing the best we can.
I have never spit at anyone, yelled anything beyond "have a good day" or "God bless you", or made an obscene gesture at another person whether it was a supporter or detractor, nor have I felt any animosity towards the salary worker who is doing what they are told to do to keep their job. I have a very high IQ and sustained a 4.0 average in college courses for law, but I love my hands on job and Sikorsky Aircraft along with the product and have stayed with it as part of the team.
On the other hand I have been gestured at, yelled obscenities at, and given the finger by more then a few salary workers driving by who just decided to get out their frustration on me. I do not gesture back or yell back something in kind. Comes with the territory. Perhaps some have had the bad experiences that have been posted here. Perhaps some subscribe to the "us and them" mentality. Perhaps some see the hourly worker as an imbecile. There are also those salary workers who disagree with that position and know better and that is a comfort.
I am friends (as opposed to acquaintances) with both salary and hourly employees. We have attended each others birthdays and weddings and have buried our friends and families together. We have argued, laughed, and maybe even shed a tear together. We have worked against odds and sometimes even the constraints of a not too perfect system to make the highest quality product of it's kind. Many are quietly supportive of the labor end of things, many are not. That is ok because I respect them and their right to disagree.
Whatever happens here at Sikorsky Aircraft I hope that we all remember it and learn all we can from it,both negative and positive. I hope to return to my job, but if I don't I will make the best of it and hope that the good wishes of my fellow employees both hourly and salary go with us all.
I am a Union member and a Sikorsky Team member. I will always be a Sikorsky Team member whether employed by Sikorsky or not. I know the product and know that it was the best in the world when I was there.
To the cooler heads here that aren't trying to breed and foster hatred my admiration and respect. To the others ...I leave you to your miserable interpretation of what life is truly all about. May you find some comfort in flaming my post.
Step-n-a-half

I am beginning to think that there is a member of Sikorsky PR department assigned to look over this blog and post information designed to sow dissension among the strikers.

Look, I voted to accept the contract because I am one of the ones who could ill afford to go out. The fact remains, however, that the increased health care costs contained in that contract offer would eat up every bit of raise we would have gotten in that contract. This is a point that has not been raised in any of the blog entries I have seen to this point.

Sikorsky employees have been getting raises in the three percent range for decades. This amount barely keeps up with the cost of living. Had the company been willing to fork over raises that at least partly made up for the increased cost of the health care plan, I think they would have gotten a lot more yes votes.

For those who think we are overpaid, think of what we produce. We produce flying machines. Flying may be the safest form of transportation available, but it is also the least forgiving of any mistakes. If that machine breaks while flying, the only place you are going is DOWN. Many of us remember when that CH-53E went down ten years ago. That accident was the result of a poorly constructed part. Fortunately for the consciences of Sikorsky hourly workers, the part that failed was a vendor part that could not be internally inspected by the people installing it in the next higher assembly. However, its failure cost the lives of four people and a very expensive helicopter. We get paid what we get because we have a certain responsibility to produce SAFE helicopters. In that regard, we have responsibility approaching that of the medical profession. We have peoples' lives in our hands. This goes from the first guy cutting metal to the hangar guys who have to get the ship ready for flight. When you consider that there are non - flight hourly jobs out there that pay as much or more than what Sikorsky hourly workers make, it becomes clear that we just MIGHT want to ask that Sikorsky management share the wealth just a bit more. I don't see anyone here making disparaging remarks about the obscene amounts that senior management is making. George David makes more in a day than I make in a year, even with all the overtime I can work. Now, I don't expect to make that kind of money, but the nature of the job demands compensation commensurate with the responsibility.

To eat up that raise in increased costs elsewhere is not right. The company was giving with one hand while taking back with the other to the point that there was almost no increase at all. This is not the first time they have done that. We had previously given in to this larceny because the management of the time had had the sense not to try to get too much from us at one time. This time they went for the whole encilada at once. Of course we said no. Companies that encounter increased costs can pass those costs on to consumers in the form of increased prices. We have no consumers we can pass those increased costs on to.

Did I vote to accept the contract? I sure did. My vote was not in the majority. So be it. Do I understand why it wasn't? I sure do. Will it be difficult to work with this situation? Of course. Will I stand with my colleagues until we get something we can all accept? Abso - bleeping - lutely. We know full well the talent pool available to the company without us. It is not sufficient to get what we do done. Add the already existing problems with the supply chain and manufacturing procedures, and they will be lucky to get anything done, despite all the press releases the company puts out to the contrary. We will win this one because their schedule needs what we can do. UTC is going to support Finger during this time because they have to. Once this is over, and all the after - action reviews are in, I think his head is going to roll. Not only because of this, but also for the problems he and his staff created leading up to this.

Stand Strong, Teamsters!! We will win this one!!

Well posted, Step-n-a-half. I agree with you whole-heartedly.

I'm tired of seeing the signs that George David should take a paycut becasue he makes 88 mill a year the guy is in charge of UTC a huge corporation...what are you strikers in charge of? A broom? A hammer? Quit crying about the healthcare and take the same fair package that is offered to the rest of UTC workers

Step-n-a-half: If I knew who you were I would be ever so proud to arrive at Gate 1 and shake your hand!. Hang in there and God Bless.

We have heard that some hourly workers were turned away after managing to get inside last week.
Anyone have verification on that?
Seems like a lockout to me.
And yes, I will be filing for benefits, I need whatever I can get at this point.
And I am looking for interim employment as well.

Actually, Knighthawk, you are going to lose this one and in a very big way. (Prior to posting, you might have read what a zillion others, including the press, have tried to illuminate for union members... the health plan will not be changed, not just because the old one was too expensive, but because the company wants to go to ONE PLAN FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.) This health care plan is the only one you will ever be offered and you all need to accept that. Like I say repeatedly to my six year-old, "How many times do I have to say NO?!"

And I really resent your complaining about the awful raises (at least you got them) and costly health plan (at least you had one) that you take for granted, but which so many of us would kill to have. The company is not required by law to give you a health plan or raises, either. That they do is a gift, an example of their generosity. But whenver they try to give an inch, your union expects a mile.

Are you so blind that you cannot see that increases to the cost-of-living also means increases to the cost of doing business? This state is ridiculously expensive, compared to others I have lived in. I still freak out that a 2BR/1BA shitbox, excuse me - HOUSE, can bring in $300k. Property taxes on real estate are easily three times or more for a postage stamp-sized lot than you'd pay on several acres elsewhere. Don't you think business are hit with these expenses, as well?

I agree with what many have said before and that is that, as much of a heartbreak as it would be for Sikorsky to leave, it really doesn't make financial sense for them to stay.

Good luck with your new job. I hope your new employer meets your expectations.

Final assembler, I don't know any facts with regard to folks being turned away, but I do know that this is not a lockout situation. The strike came first, if folks are being turned away, it would be the company's right to protect itself from sabotage. The company and government have a right to protect themselves from any foul play that would jeopardize military contracts.

Just to correct whooever posted a comment the unemployment will be decided tomorrow, the decision will be made on March 3rd which is Friday.

George David did NOT make 88 million last year. He made 4.7 million, the rest are in stock options. And no, I don't work for Sikorsky, my relatives do. And I can't believe what is happening here. Today in the CT Post it reads and I quote, "The Teamsters said they think their stance on health care could set the tone for contract negotiations across the country for the next 20 years."

I'm speechless. Calling a strike when you're a defense contractor during a time of war over $25 a week? This is what we are to expect of unions in the future? Will it be a victory for the union if Blackhawks don't arrive on time in Iraq or Afghanistan?

What is the long term cost of the brick wall that has been built between hourly and salary because of this strike? This is ridiculous. It doesn't take a college degree to know that maybe long term wasn't thought about. The days of win - lose are over. It needs to be win - win for everyone.

Hourly and Salary workers need to be a team in order to get helicopters delivered to the customer. Do the customers want the best price for the aircraft they purchase?

As far as unemployment is concerned, has anyone thought that maybe the 3600 union workers will be put into the "displaced" workforce? Companies/Corporations who hire back their displaced workers get an enormous tax break...

Salaried and hourly can never be a team as long as there is a union dividing them. The reason is that the goal of the union is to ensure success of the hourly individuals it represents while the goal of the salaried employee is to work for the success of the company, which will result in success for himself/herself. This is why you see supervisors voluntarily coming in early, staying late, working through lunch and coming in on weekends with no expectation of extra pay and you see union members sandbagging during the week so that they will have to work overtime at time and a half or doubletime on the weekend.

The reason that you make more money the higher up you go in management is because the higher up you are, the more demanding the job... mentally, physically, emotionally and not just to you, but to your family. High level managers don't just work eight hours a day, five days a week. They get called and paged 24/7, experience constant invasions into their personal time and their families' personal time. They also get paid the big bucks because they have the most to lose if they fail... the burden just the stress alone puts on a senior manager is unimaginable to those of you on the line.

With regard to the "unfair labor practice," if this implies that Sikorsky is not bargaining in good faith simply because it will not budge on the health plan, I really hope you have something more up your sleeve than that. There is more to the contract than that one item. It is not an unfair labor practice to make one item of the contract non-negotiable, especially when you have spent months negotiating other aspects of the contract and when you have added monetary provisions to the contract and a delay in the implementation to help union members make the adjustment. Just because the union does agree with the health plan doesn't make it an unfair labor practice and if it really were one, then the union would have filed a complaint with the NLRB.

Bottom line is this. I am human and I make mistakes, but one thing I have learned in this life is that thinking you are right doesn't mean you are right.

To Knighthawk321, you seem to think that the pool of workers won't be able to make the schedule of deliveries, did you ever think that your strike gives Sikorsky the perfect reason for the schedules to slip? The longer you stay out the more time they have to get parts and catch up with design and production. I feel for you guys, but as a contractor I pay 100% of my medical, 401K, if I take a day off I don't get paid. Also, many of the salaried workers would kill for a guaranteed 3.5% increase every year. Many of them have been getting along on 1-3% or 0% for years. Give us a break, we NEED to work.

I thought I would drop a quick note to thank all of you here for mostly sticking to the most recent blog entry for making your comments. I follow this blog daily, but I thought I might end up with carpel tunnel from all the scrolling to keep up with all the comments posted on the various entries!

The company turning away hourly employees to protect itself from sabotage creates a lockout situation. If not the labor dept would have denied all the claims already instead of requiring a hearing to decide. It is not an open and shut case as a lot seem to think it is. Unemployment benefits will probably be paid because unemployment usually finds in the favor of the employee when a hearing is required. That would be about 450 a week unemployment + 232 strike benefit = about $675 a week. If unemployment is granted, there would be a lot less pressure put on the union to try to resolve this quickly.

Not a strike, but a lockout? Are you freaking KIDDING me?!

On the main page of the 1150 website, the word STRIKE is seen 5 1/2 times! Enter the site and you see it in huge, bold, red letters ON STRIKE. When you click to enter the strike headquarters link, you get the following statement first thing, "Teamsters Local 1150 began a strike against Sikorsky Aircraft on Monday, February 20th over the company's failure to negotiate over healthcare benefits."

Sorry, guys, but I just don't see it. If you are claiming this is a lockout and not a strike, then shouldn't you be chanting LET US IN! LET US IN!

P.S. They didn't fail to negotiate healthcare benefits. They just failed to give in to your demands. That doesn't make you right and them wrong, by the way. GO SIKORSKY!

The company turning away hourly employees to protect itself from sabotage creates a lockout situation...

NO, NO, NO! This is only true if the UNION LEADERSHIP advised the company formally that the UNION MEMBERS wanted to work prior to expiration of the contract and the vote to strike. Please don't pass out bad information. You are only hurting the people you are trying to make feel better.

Step-n-a-half, sorry some employees reporting to work are gesturing you in the way you have reported. Some employees feel that they have to defend themselves, even when not being provoked. From the first day of the strike, many employees reporting to work felt like this was being blamed on them, even though it was out of anyone's control. Many of these same employees were also treated disrespectfully and unfortunately felt the need to respond poorly.

So, if some have been rude to you, please don't take it personally. I think we need more viewpoints like your own and I wouldn't want your opinions to be negatively affected based upon the acts of a few. I'm confident that these acts are a result of self defense along with improper generalizations from both sides.

Keep your head up!

There is no way that unemployment benefits will be given to the Teamster Greedys. I can't wait till they get that news, that'll be a real kick in the nuts.

To the person who posted that healthcare and raises are a gift

What is the first thing you look at when deciding on whether to take a job? I can tell you this, it's not whether the parking is close to the building... It is what the company offers for benefits!

Healthcare packages are an option not a gift. Just like a bigger engine is an option on some cars. If your car dealer told you that they suddenly wanted your big engine back but they will replace it with a 4 cyl., would you accept the offer?

Bottom line: You or a family member gets sick, you need real good insurance to survive.

I am tired of all this name calling between salary and hourly. Can any of you remember 911 when we all worked as a TEAM that day to get the ships ready. Some have short memories. I was so overwhelmed that day with pride to be a Sikorsky empolyee. It make me sick to think we work at Sikorsky to do a job to help our soldiers in Iraq and around the world. We need to get back to work Mr.Finger and Mr Calo to show our soliders that we"re behind them. May God give you two the wisdom to settle this mess. Please remember our soliders in your prayers today.

And union members, Venture, have several OPTIONS under the health care plan being offered. It is not a right or an entitlement. It is, however, the company's OPTION whether or not to offer you those benefits. Comparing that to to your car scenario is not comparing apples to apples. The car you bought and paid for. What the company is offering you is not something you have earned, yet, but something they expect you to earn over the course of the contract. Perhaps they are finally realizing they are offering you more than you are worth.

Venture,
If my dealer told me he wanted my engine back and replace it with something less, I wouldn't accept the offer. But I wouldn't start walking everywhere just to make a point. I'd just buy another car from somewhere else.

If another company has benefits that are so much better, then go work for them. So far, no one has let us in on where they are hiring somewhere else with such an amazing benefits package.

But your analogy has a flaw. You were on a contract - that's more like LEASING a car, not OWNING. So after 3 years if the dealer wanted the car back, who are you to say no? Say you had a 2002 Grand Prix. You would have to give it back after the lease was up. You can try to get someone to give you a brand new 2002 Grand Prix in 2006, but they can't. Whine all you want, won't change the facts. They don't make that car anymore, and all you can do is settle for the more expensive 2006 model.

Thank you, another employee, now THAT was apples and apples! Bravo!

I believe if you are granted unemployment, your strike pay will be deducted from that, as any other income would. Labor law, what do you say?

As a wife of a striker I am very upset with this whole turn of events. I understand both sides of the situation, but in reality I think the union will lose. UTC will not make an exception just for Sikorsky. They want ALL their companies under one plan. Yes, the plan is more expensive than what we had. Yes, it's more money out of pocket from the get go. Is every company dealing with this same issue? Yes. What seems to be the kick here is that the lost wages from this strike would have paid the out of pocket expenses!
Not everyone on the line can financially afford to stay out much longer. Getting another job while on strike is easier said than done. Not many people are willing to employ a stiker because they know you'll leave when the strike's over.
For all the stink about unemployment benefits, not everyone voted for this strike. Yes, they all belong to the union but you don't have a choice in that matter when you're hired. If hourly employees were allowed back in if they chose to cross the picket line, would be detrimental to their health at best. If you're hourly, you just DON'T CROSS THE LINE. I believe the benefits should be paid.
This is a hot issue. For those of you who aren't effected by the strike, you have no idea the fears we are facing. The unemployment benefits may be just what saves our houses, puts food on the table and pay the utilities. It's not about bike payments and booze like some of you have stated. It's about surviving.

I am the proud wife of a United States Marine who has been following this coverage in the press. My husband is a pilot and he is currently deployed to Afghanistan. He flies a Boeing product, but he has flown Sikorsky aircraft over the years, as well. As a military family, we feel that this strike is grossly unfair to our military. The Teamsters, which flaunt themselves as being such an AMERICAN union, is certainly not supporting America very well. A better alternative would have been to continue to work under the previous contract or with no contract at all while negotiations continued. Or to even demonstrate in a way that did not have to include work stoppage. You should be ashamed. You are letting US down. Your military members are the ones who make it possible for you to stand up for what you believe in, but when you walked out on Sikorsky, you walked out on US. If you don't build them, the military can't fly them. And if we can't fly them, then we can't protect you. Don't you see that what comes around goes around? Shame on you!

amen to that USMCWIFE

I wonder if the salary people who are running machines during the strike will be held to the same standards and as hourly machinists and get written warnings for any bad parts?

We are all aware that it is UTC's desire to have all UTC under one plan. However, what is being missed or ignored is the very real set of proposals that were made to pay the difference between what was offered and what we had. We offered to reduce the amount of our annual raises to 3% per year and forgo our signing bonuses to pay the difference and keep what we had. We were turned down flat. We also offered to take hourly health care expenses off their hands entirely and go with the Teamsters health care plan. This would have raised our dues, and we were willing to pay that, and the company would not have had to worry about that expense for us.

As for the notion that raises are a gift, that is nonsense. Companies give raises to make it worth a worker's while to remain with the company rather than take his talents and experience to another company who will pay him what he is asking. This applies whether you are salary or hourly. The company justifies this increased expense as a means of reducing turnover. They retain their valuable skill and experience base rather than having to constantly recruit and train new employees. The same thing goes for the rest of the benefits package.

We know that George David's compensation package includes both salary and stock options. Stock options are a form of deferred compensation. They can be sold to increase current cash on hand. I will accept the 4.7 million direct salary figure for the purpose of this debate. OK, that translates into $2259.62 an hour over a standard 40 hour work week. Such people do not work 40 hour work weeks, you say. OK, at 80 hours per week, that still translates to $1129.80 an hour. That is roughly the gross pay of a dayshift labor grade 2 for a 40 hour week.

Salary workers receive the vast majority of their overtime up front as part of their salaries. They get paid up front for their labors. We have to earn the big bucks by working that overtime. Salary workers have to give 5 hours free OT per week to get any additional compensation, and that comes as straight time. I respect the shop floor supervisors. They get boned 6 ways from Sunday. Voluntary overtime, you say? I don't think so. They can be, and are, required to come in regardless of what may be going on at home. They can be required to go on the road. They can't say "No" and stay employed. If you don't believe this, ask Kenny Fugate some time. As for the sandbagging charge, that is absurd, as well. Bad weather breeds overtime in flight ops. The aircraft has to be flown. If that means working the weekend, oh, well. Many times, weekend overtime has been scheduled when the workload did not seem to justify it. Our attitude, and that of anyone with a brain was, "If that's the way the company is willing to spend its money, we are more than willing to take it." If we talk of waste, the company wastes more money on non - essentials than that health care package could ever cost. They've got megabucks to spend on plant beautification, but no money to spend on essential tools and equipment. They'll spend $10,000 to save $1.00 but won't spend $1.00 to save $10,000. Those of us who work there, salary or hourly, know the truth of that statement.

The charge of a lack of patriotism in the conduct of our job action is not acceptable to me. We are more than willing to build Sikorsky helicopters as safely and as quickly as we can. We have a right, as AMERICANS, to negotiate for the best deal we can get to do that job. There is a basic rule of business: No business exists to provide goods or services. They exist to make money. If Sikorsky could make more money making ceiling fans, they would. They are doing what they think they have to to make money. The problem is, they're making money hand over fist, and as a result of our labors. We feel that we deserve a fair share of that pie. Labor costs are only 6% of the cost of a typical helicopter. To blame us for their cost problems is disingenuous at best.

Now, I do not blame them for negotiating hard. Anyone would do the same in their position. Everyone looks for the least expensive means of doing anything. Conversely, they also look maximize the return for their products. The company charges as much as it can get away with for their product. Now, we are trying to do the same thing. Our product is our time and effort, and we are trying to get the greatest possible return for the product we are selling. This is not rocket science. Economics works both ways. It is not one thing for an employer and another for an employee. We are BOTH here to make money.

I served in the Navy during the Vietnam Era. I had the honor of being one of the crewmen on the September 11 mission to New York. I will not allow anyone to question my patriotism or love of country. I want to get those ships out to the troops and sailors who need them. I MUST, however, also act in the best interests of my family and fellow workers. The company is doing its job to try and control costs and increase profits. I, and my fellow workers, are trying to do the same. The company has a much better chance of maximizing their profits and gaining adequate return on investment by making a better faith offer to retain their experienced, qualified and patriotic workforce than by alienating them.

From what my husband told me, the govt. has sent in extra inspectors. They want to be extra certain everything is done properly, in light of this development. But so far, so good! Thanks to lots of training, years and years of experience and advance preparation done to bring them up to speed prior to the strike, the salaried people now doing the hands-on work are meeting and even exceeding expectations and requirements.

Uh-oh, anonymous of the really long post above must have eaten some sour grapes for lunch. Hope they don't give him the runs!

That last post was by Knighthawk321. Anonymous has not changed his tune, though he should.

LOL, No sour grapes, Anonymous. Just a serious look at the realities you have failed to discuss.

To all that comment on this blog if your a salary empolyee at Sikorsky. Alot is getting done sure.I would say what a misuse of company time. Get back to work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To USMC Wife: Well spoken!! May God bless you and your husband. Let's hope that maybe your input helped in people seeing the whole picture. This is about more than just Local 1150!!

Why are you salaried people here in the first place. This is not your fight. Your jealous because you have to accept what the company gives you...we do'nt. As far as the whole health care issue....Someone please tell me why the company wont let the union take over the insurance for its members relieving the company of this problem. WHY!!! Then you salaried people can negotiate all you want for your medical. Oh thats right you have no representation...your jealous.

The problem with the press releases the company puts out is that we know who is available to do the work and what each one is remotely qualified for. There is not a snowball's chance in the underworld that they can possibly produce what's on the line, let alone produce to schedule. They may make every effort to try, but they are starting from scratch. They do not know the intricacies of the individual installations and jobs. If they think their rework costs were high before (mostly due to a failure to allow time for good craftsmanship), their rework costs will be astronomical as they attempt to learn our jobs.

Now, the theory has been advanced that the company forced this strike as a means of renegotiating the schedule, with the idea of blaming us for their problems. That might fly if there was no oversight on our activities. DCMA is resident at the plant. They see what goes on, and they know what the situation was before we went out. They know quite well that the reason the schedule was already slipping was the attempt to transition too many processes too soon. They were behind already, despite our willingness and efforts to get the job done. You can't build helicopters without parts. They lost control of their supply chain, and now they want to cover their collective butt by blaming us for their shortcomings. It has been ever thus.

The remarks about things INSIDE the plant by people who are on the OUTSIDE of the plant are ridiculous. Stop acting as if you know everything, because you don't. If you did, you'd be at work.

As to why Sikorsky has played this they way they have and not budged on the insurance issue is because they knew you would strike. It's what they wanted. They want to deunionize. You gave them exactly what they wanted.

Deunionize WE WILL SEE BUDDY

We know Tom (E.F.) Hutton only too well. We have repeatedly attempted to show him where the problems and bottlenecks are in the processes. They are so committed to the new processes that they cannot or will not deal with the issues.

We don't have to BE inside to know what goes on inside. We have our ways of knowing, just as the company does. We also know who they have and what they have to work with. We have intimate knowledge of what has to be done. Add those together, and we have a VERY good picture of what is going on inside.

The union is getting stronger. We are meeting people on the picket line from other parts of the plant and becomming friends. There is now a bond between the hourly workers who never met each other on the inside.

Who is this knighthawk321? It sounds like he playing both sides of the candle

Uh, no, anonymous. What I am doing is demonstrating that we know the issues and what drives both sides. I am on one side of this issue. The company is on the other. The solution is for both sides to come back to the table and for the company to negotiate in good faith on all the issues. Their stonewalling in the face of numerous offers that would have paid for the continuance of the previous package is the cause of this stoppage.

Strike benefits do not count towards unemployment benefits. I wish some people would do a little research before disputing facts.

Sec. 31-236-50. Allocation of strike benefits

Payments rendered by a union to an individual involved in a labor dispute shall have no effect on the individual's benefit entitlement

unemployment told me today that the strike pay has nothing to do with the Dept. of Labor. you can collect both.
how come no one is griping about Cobra ??? thanks to Rocco I will have to pay about $1000 for a month of medical and dental insurance......

This strike is doing nothing to help the company in any posible way. Remember 9-11, remember the 53 that crashed in the flight field killing many of our co-workers? This strike is not doing much other that destroying the relationships we one had and the feeling of one big family. In times of tragety we have always been able to all pull together, hourly and salary. I dont see that kind of relationship happening again since this has become a fight of hourly against salary. Instead this fight should be salary, hourly, and UTC working together to try to fight the high rising costs of healthcare. If the union gets what it wants now, there will just be a strike in three years because one day the rising cost of healthcare is going to turn UTC from very profitable to broke. It is only a matter of time before we will need to contribute to our insurance because we cant expect the company to pay forever.

Also, a 3.5% raise is pretty damn good considering the company is giving the cost of living increase before that. The cost of living went up .59 cents since the last contract. The 3.5% is for being faithful employees and to help pay for the increased healthcare.

Listen UP - Just sit back in your 2x2 cubicle and remember it's all about the money and when all is said and done the hourly will be making more than you. There will be no negotiations for 0 percent raises. We value your opinion does your boss value YOU?

- Let's go back to work -

MILITARY AIRCRAFT CENTER/FLIGHT OPS UPDATE

Continuous good progress reported with all aircraft in the hangar and in final assembly. All lead aircraft are fully staffed and working in final assembly, testing and inspections. Close coordination continues with the Program Office and the DCMA to ensure that our customers' needs are being met.

Critical fleet item requirements continue to be delivered, including Coast Guard and Navy (H-60) Main Rotor Blades and dampers. Close to 1,000 items have been delivered to the war fighter since the labor action began.

Stratford Precision Operations is delivering main modules to WCS -- a critical spare item needed to support the war fighter. The team met its MRP requirements for BLACK HAWK spindles and cuffs in the month of February. Both the Spindle and the Cuff cells operated at full-rate production last week. Over the weekend, an S-92 main gearbox was delivered to an off-shore oil operator. The delivery occurred three days earlier than expected.

Precision Ops is recording “lessons learned� that will lead to more productivity. To date, they have recorded more than 60 “lessons learned� opportunities.

“SPARES� OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

• We have processed more than 900 deliveries to customers since the strike began.

• Kitting operations are at full volume, especially for kits headed to military units in Iraq and for repairs at CCAD.

• Critical spares are being shipped to support all customers.

• Offload packaging operations with Beta Logistics has increased significantly, and will continue to grow in volume and scope.

An improved shipping process has been coordinated to enable direct shipment to USG customers from Beta Logistics.

WEST PALM BEACH UPDATE

Crews continue their work on UH-60Ms, MH60Ss (including a final engine installation, which will happen today) and on S-76 and S-92 aircraft.

With all the confusion about the UTC CIGNA healthcare plan... just ask the experts! Call your physician, your pharmacist, and the billing department of your local hospital and ask how the plan being shoved down your throat stacks up against other HMOs. Believe me... it will be a real eye opener. It certainly was for me!

No one is shoving anything down anyone's throats, except for some union blowhards who are so intimidated and scared by the fragile position they voted themselves into that they are trying to poison the smart ones from voting to go back and possibly resign their union membership. If you don't like the health plan, the company doesn't care a bit if you participate in it or not. You are free to buy your health care outright. I think BCBS offers a plan for singles/no dependents that about $400/month. GO FOR IT!

Here it is again, in case you knowitalls on the PICKET LINE OUTSIDE THE GATE didn't get it the first time...

MILITARY AIRCRAFT CENTER/FLIGHT OPS UPDATE

Continuous good progress reported with all aircraft in the hangar and in final assembly. All lead aircraft are fully staffed and working in final assembly, testing and inspections. Close coordination continues with the Program Office and the DCMA to ensure that our customers' needs are being met.

Critical fleet item requirements continue to be delivered, including Coast Guard and Navy (H-60) Main Rotor Blades and dampers. Close to 1,000 items have been delivered to the war fighter since the labor action began.

Stratford Precision Operations is delivering main modules to WCS -- a critical spare item needed to support the war fighter. The team met its MRP requirements for BLACK HAWK spindles and cuffs in the month of February. Both the Spindle and the Cuff cells operated at full-rate production last week. Over the weekend, an S-92 main gearbox was delivered to an off-shore oil operator. The delivery occurred three days earlier than expected.

Precision Ops is recording “lessons learned� that will lead to more productivity. To date, they have recorded more than 60 “lessons learned� opportunities.

“SPARES� OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

• We have processed more than 900 deliveries to customers since the strike began.

• Kitting operations are at full volume, especially for kits headed to military units in Iraq and for repairs at CCAD.

• Critical spares are being shipped to support all customers.

• Offload packaging operations with Beta Logistics has increased significantly, and will continue to grow in volume and scope.

An improved shipping process has been coordinated to enable direct shipment to USG customers from Beta Logistics.

WEST PALM BEACH UPDATE

Crews continue their work on UH-60Ms, MH60Ss (including a final engine installation, which will happen today) and on S-76 and S-92 aircraft.

thanks anon, maybe I really won't be able to pay my mortgage next month

Pro-salaried and pro-company comments don't necessarily come from salaried people at work. I personally don't have a horse in this race, I just cannot abide what unions have done and continue to do to this country. They are dangerous to the people they are supposed to protect. I'm sure there are a lot of spouses, other family members and spouses out there who comment here, as well. And even though they are still inside the plant working their tails off, the salaried work force does get a lunch break. Some of them are probably like me, surfing the net while they are eating at their desks. Just another perspective. If you don't know, don't accuse. You'll just make an ass of yourself.

In response to the above post, listing the awesome productivity of the salary labor force, I say, WAY TO GO fellow Salary Employees. Getting the job done.

The ignorance of the dolts standing out in the cold is amazing. The financial reality is, thanks to the union you're far worse off than you were before. While they "fight for principle" you go unpaid. Haa Haa, what suckers.

SalBro

Again, for all ye non-believers...

MILITARY AIRCRAFT CENTER/FLIGHT OPS UPDATE

Continuous good progress reported with all aircraft in the hangar and in final assembly. All lead aircraft are fully staffed and working in final assembly, testing and inspections. Close coordination continues with the Program Office and the DCMA to ensure that our customers' needs are being met.

Critical fleet item requirements continue to be delivered, including Coast Guard and Navy (H-60) Main Rotor Blades and dampers. Close to 1,000 items have been delivered to the war fighter since the labor action began.

Stratford Precision Operations is delivering main modules to WCS -- a critical spare item needed to support the war fighter. The team met its MRP requirements for BLACK HAWK spindles and cuffs in the month of February. Both the Spindle and the Cuff cells operated at full-rate production last week. Over the weekend, an S-92 main gearbox was delivered to an off-shore oil operator. The delivery occurred three days earlier than expected.

Precision Ops is recording “lessons learned� that will lead to more productivity. To date, they have recorded more than 60 “lessons learned� opportunities.

“SPARES� OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

• We have processed more than 900 deliveries to customers since the strike began.

• Kitting operations are at full volume, especially for kits headed to military units in Iraq and for repairs at CCAD.

• Critical spares are being shipped to support all customers.

• Offload packaging operations with Beta Logistics has increased significantly, and will continue to grow in volume and scope.

An improved shipping process has been coordinated to enable direct shipment to USG customers from Beta Logistics.

WEST PALM BEACH UPDATE

Crews continue their work on UH-60Ms, MH60Ss (including a final engine installation, which will happen today) and on S-76 and S-92 aircraft.

...and I'm spent!

To start this off, I AM SALARY, and I am letting everyone know that, and yes, I am anti-union, but let me explain myself.

First of all, I am anti-union, but not against union workers. Just like every demographic, union members represent every person of every walk of life, whether good or bad. The fact that almost 1/3 of the Teamsters 1150 voted for the contract offered, shows that they at least looked into the offer, and reflected on their interests, the companies interests, and the American economy overall.

Step-n-a-half represents the level headed employee. I understand when I pull into and out of Sikorsky, there are people out striking, not because they want to, but because they have to, and they are part of the union, so it is their duty until they are told to go back to work.

I come from western Pennsylvania (no not Philly, the other side, the rust belt of America). So I can appreciate and testify first hand to what unions are capable of. The start of unions was a wonderful thing. Laborers were being abused by the steel industry, etc. Now, the tables have turned, and unions abuse their employees, their members, and their communities, and ultimately, their country's economy. Go to Pittsburgh, Erie, Youngstown, Cleveland, Akron, Buffalo, or any other rust belt city, and you will quickly see how the greed of unions have literally destroyed cities.

Are the 2/3 of the Teamster's that voted no to the contract oblivous to what is happening to this country??? Do you not see manufacturing job after job being lost to cheaper foreign markets??? Do you not see your President fighting for more free trade agreements with other countries? Do you know what this means? It means that the USA is shedding your jobs faster than our country is going into debt!

Everyone needs to open their eyes.

Yes, healthcare costs are out of control, is this sikorsky's fault? No! This is the fault of every person who votes in this country. This country's politicians work to not cause controversy, which in this case, is fixing healthcare. There are big healthcare lobbyists filling your politicians pockets so that they don't lose out on this lucrative (costly to us) business.

All American workers will continually be asked to pay more for healthcare, more for social security, more for taxes and more for medicare taxes, so get used to it. It is going to get A LOT worse before it gets better.

I feel bad for the hard working union workers who are forced to not work. I hope that whatever happens, those good people and workers get their jobs back, and continue to take pride in their job.

We all hate being asked to pay more for our healthcare, however, it is OUR healthcare, so we must take care of our own. And can somebody please explain to me why 3600 workers of UTC feel that they should get better benefits than the other 99% of UTC's workers? You've had it better than the rest for too long, it's time to get on board with the rest of this company.

Finally, I was sick to my stomach when I saw the contract Sikorsky offered to the Teamsters. Did the union not hear in the news, almost weekly, about how other unions are being forced to give up pensions, 401k benefits, and cut wages in the auto and airline industries!? These are the people who could claim "Unfairness". But, they are living in the real world and realize that these industries are struggling to compete, and they want to have jobs in the future, they must sacrifice now.

Good day.

I'm also not an employee, but over the years Sik has employed 5 members of my extended family. They were (and are) union members. This union leadership has chosen to put hardship on its members, the company and the military. It seems the company has risen to the challenge and is meeting the needs of the military. Good show. That leaves the members out in the cold.

"Scared" - make sure you call HR and tell them you don't support the strike. They are keeping track and it matters. They want to hear from you.

Oh ya, and whoever posted the Sikorsky Updated...(Posted by: Anonymous at February 28, 2006 05:06 PM)
You really shouldn't be making that information public. If sikorsky wanted everyone to know that, they would release it to the press. I am just saying, this kind of information can start a lot of bad rumors and cause more problems getting both sides together.

For those of you who think you were mislead by the union,where were you during the membership meetings when you could of asked questions.I myself went to the meetings and asked questions and got the information i wanted before i voted.

With the rising cost of healthcare,if we don't fight now for this contract what the hell do you think we're going to get next contract?I'll tell you,Less!!

Do you think George David will take less of a bonus this year?Do you think he'll make less than 98 mill?I don't think so.

I would just like to say look down the road,for someone like me who has 30 yrs to go i would like to retire from here but with all the outsourceing going on it's doubtful.But for now i walk the line.

Hi Salbro
Please read my post above when you get a chance. It appears that you are the kind of person that fits the model I was referring to in my post (you decide which one, others already have). Though I doubt that you can hear me, I will still take the time (yes, I have a lot of that now and ha ha ha as you will undoubtedly put it) to address my issue with your post.
I am not ignorant. I am willing to bet that with an IQ over 140 that I can bury you in academics (and I'm fairly certain in deportment as well). Am I unemployed? Yes. Am I hurting? No. I have made the most of my employment and have other skills and interests along with a good portfolio of investments and a solid savings account. I am out there walking because I am a union member, we are on strike, and the company gates are closed to the hourly worker. There is no chance of entering the factory until there is a new contract - period. I am not a sucker as you state so eloquently. Indeed it appears that you are the "sucker". You have allowed this situation to overcome your intellect and make you spew forth emotionally charged hateful rhetoric which not only denigrates you but is an embarrasment to other more intellectually graced salary workers I am certain. "Haa Haa what suckers" Sorry, but it's just not accurate. Many are there because that is where they have to be. Still, your lack of compassion or restraint is what makes you who you are, correct?
Step-n-a-half

Anyone squawking about the big bucks the company makes just doesn't get how it works. The company exists for the sake of it shareholders. Anyone jealous of those profits should buy shares of stock--that is the only way any company ever "shares the wealth!" Anyone who bought shares of UTC when George David became boss has since seen the value of their investment increase sixfold, that's 600%! (one-and-a-half times what GE did during Jack Welch's tenure) That is what CEOs of big companies get paid to do, make money for their shareholders. Yes companies have to pay employees and contractors in the process, in order to get the product built. And it is the marketplace alone that determines how much employers need to pay for benefits to employees in order to be competitive and attract people who might otherwise take a job somewhere else...it is certainly not an entitlement. A lesson in basic economics is about to be taught to many, unfortunately the hard way for some.

Oh yes, and here's a big Semper Fi to USMCWIFE and to your Marine.

Lord knows that management had lessons to learn. They basically ignored us when we tried to alert them to issues that needed dealing with. Now that they have to try to do the job themselves, they are finding out that we were not just blowing smoke up their behinds. If nothing else comes of this situation, at least they have a chance to see what the problems are for themselves. Hopefully, they will then deal with those issues, but I will not hold my breath waiting for the solutions to take effect.

As for the benefits or lack thereof emanating from the current state of trade unionism, I have long held that companies that have unions generally deserve them. If a company knows how to treat its people, and does so fairly and equitably, unions generally are not needed. Unfortunately, this company does not follow that scenario. The last nails in the coffin of the notion of a family friendly company were driven in by the alternate work week proposal (thankfully pulled from the table) and the health care issue. As an example of a company that once treated its people well, up until the 90's Delta Airlines did not have a union. They didn't need one, and people in the industry wanted to work for them, because they knew how to treat their people. They got good pay, good benefits and good treatment from management. When the company was in a bind, the employees got together, chipped in, and bought the airline a brand new L-1011 Tristar. Who ever heard of employees getting $28,000,000 to buy a company a major capital investment? I could not see that happening here before this current debacle, and it certainly will not happen now. Unfortunately, new management took over Delta, and the employees brought in a union to deal with the new situation, resulting in the sorry state Delta is in now. If management deals with its people fairly and equitably, even with a union, there is no need for this kind of nonsense. When they start throwing inside curve balls at us, we do what we must to deal with the situation.

Before the vote, I felt and said that neither side was in a strong position to be playing this kind of hardball. I feel even more strongly that this is still the case. We offered the company several ways out of this dilemma. They refused us flatly. They made the bed, they can sleep in it.

It is no longer just the shareholders that companies exist for. There are several constituencies that companies have to answer to. The shareholders are but one. Management's responsibility is not so much to ensure the success of the company but its survival. To do this, it must balance the conflicting claims of all the stakeholders. These stakeholders include the customers, suppliers, owners, employees and the communities. The rights of all these stakeholders are valid with respect to management responsibility, and due respect must be given them. In fact, each must have due say in matters that affect their welfare. This is what we are trying to do here. Since management failed to listen and act upon our just concerns, action was necessary on our part. The employee constituency spoke on February 19th. The company needs to hear us instead of treating us as the lower forms of life that hourly employees have often been treated as.

As an outsider I've really enjoyed the jousting between the union and the rest of the people on this blog (salary and local citizens). This is great entertainment!

All I ask is for the union folk to make every effort to hold on to your computers as long as you can - put the kids to work, sell the car, remortgage the house, but please don't hock the computer, I'm starved for entertainment until the NCAA's.

"Rocco Calo's Playhouse" should be in syndication!

You've got it totally wrong, which is very surprising considering your incredible acumen. I'm not bitter, hateful, nor uncompassionate. As a savvy investor, I'm sure you understand the metrics of a *good* investment over poor. Certainly you, given your envied mental capacity, can grasp this situation is a NET LOSS to the entire union membership. That was my point.

As far as bury me? Perhaps so. Perhaps not. We both know the peril of arguing with a fool. So, it'll never get resolved here.

hmmmm nighthawk321... do you really think that the hourly employee is in the same league as the medical profession? This will never be settled with ideas like that.

And final assembler... Let's explain this one more time.... you all left your jobs when you went on strike. You bargain as one and you walked out as one. Regardless of individuals who want to go back, you can't until you go back as one. So, you (the collective you) were not locked out... you (the collective you) WALKED OUT. That equals no unemployment!

Bravo another employee! If you don't want the car a salesman offers, go somewhere else and make a better deal.

I feel truley sorry for all of hard working people behind the scenes. But not the big mouths that have been pumping there fists for the last few months. Remember that these are the people that have lead all of thier co-workers to slaughter. Be mad at your union stewerts that have been helping the lame,lazy and the simply stupid people that you have been paying union dues to help keep there jobs. It is high time some of the people got a wake-up call from thier own co-workers.

I heard that the Bargian News is having a Sikorsky Toy sale page. I comes out this Friday morning

It will be very different if and when some of the hourly do come back. Other than a few core competencies like blades,,,there is NOTHING that can’t be done outside MUCH cheaper and faster. (sheet metal, assembly, machined parts, gears, mag housings, wire harnesses all are a dime a dozen outside.) Before the strike there would not have been any layoffs for years. If work was outsourced, the people would have been relocated to another dept. Now, well the company is forced to step up outsourcing. The claims of all the Vendor part shortages is bull. There will always be shortages, but many of the shortages were due to the change over to the SAP system and how it reads inventory in different locations. There would be a part shortage in one plant, but excess stock in another plant location. Waiting for “hourly� crib attendants to pick and cash parts for transfer to other locations takes weeks “or overtime�. Now parts are being kitted and outsourced in the same day. Imagine that!

I am so amazed that some of you think that you are hurting the company. Amazing!! You don't even have a speck of a clue.

For all you people who think you know everything. There are people out striking, not because they want to, but because they have to, and they are part of the union, so it is their duty until they are told to go back to work.
Not all of us, voted for this!!!!

The Teamsters union Local 1150 will be broken and Sikorsky facilities will become non-union shops.

Salbro,
Sorry to see that you cannot overcome your propensity to post without bitterness and thinly veiled contempt.

Salbro wrote:
"In response to the above post, listing the awesome productivity of the salary labor force, I say, WAY TO GO fellow Salary Employees. Getting the job done."

I commend your accolades for your fellow employees.

Salbro wrote:
"The ignorance of the dolts standing out in the cold is amazing. The financial reality is, thanks to the union you're far worse off than you were before. While they "fight for principle" you go unpaid. Haa Haa, what suckers."
I have already addressed my reaction to this above, to which you replied:

"You've got it totally wrong, which is very surprising considering your incredible acumen."

Some would say that there is a strong hint of sarcasm to your statement here. Some would say that you are sincere. Lets examine the rest of your missive to decide.

Salbro wrote:
"I'm not bitter, hateful, nor uncompassionate."

Very well, let me review a bit. Your reference to "the ignorance of the dolts outside" comes to mind. Perhaps I am missing your obvious compassion and lack of bitterness or hatred here for those who are outside in the freezing cold because of a strike that they didn't vote for. Remember that they did not have a choice after the vote. So that qualifies them as ignorant dolts. I do not think you are on solid ground here Salbro and I think you knew it too and that is why you avoid the direct explanation of your derisive comments and how they are not demeaning. After all, how can you write "Ha ha. Suckers" and then try to backpedal and demonstrate that those are the words of a compassionate man unmarred by the stain of hatred or bitterness? At this point you must avoid this issue and you do below.

Salbro wrote:
"As a savvy investor, I'm sure you understand the metrics of a *good* investment over poor."

Yes, Salbro I do. My financial position is due directly to my ability to invest wisely the money I have earned from my employer through honest labor and performance that has earned a number of awards through the years. Thank you for recognizing that a sound portfolio is built with intelligent decisions. Am I a "savvy" investor? Perhaps to some degree I am, because I have worked at it diligently and amassed a respectable buffer zone that is there for me in times of hardship.

Salbro wrote:
"Certainly you, given your envied mental capacity, can grasp this situation is a NET LOSS to the entire union membership. That was my point."

I am flattered that you envy my mental capacity Salbro, but there is no need to. Indeed, who needs the mental capacity of one who you have already termed an "ignorant dolt" and a "sucker"? Sorry that at this point your emotions just had to break through and your sarcasm or envy clouded what could have been a clear inquiry of me. To answer your question as to whether this is a net loss to the entire union membership I must tell you that an intelligent person knows that point cannot be made until final terms are settled permanently. Can there be a net loss? Certainly. Can there be a net gain? Certainly. Can there be a solution that works out to a status quo? It is possible. Certainly you are astute enough to know that that assesment cannot be made until there is a settlement. To come to the total without the equation would be ignorant. Remember that probabilities is another thing entirely when you write and it will save us both time. Whether it is a net loss cannot responsibly or intelligently be determined as of today. Anything to the contrary is emotional rubbish.

"As far as bury me? Perhaps so. Perhaps not."
I am confident that the evaluation would be exciting, and that the competition would be spirited. We already can see that if nothing else you are passionate.

"We both know the peril of arguing with a fool. So, it'll never get resolved here."

That is where we differ in what we seek here. I came here not for incite but for INSIGHT. I am not addressing you because I came here to argue but because I am offended at your label of "ignorant dolt" and "Sucker" along with being taken aback by your "HA HA" at the thought of people with no choice at this point but to walk the line. I had hoped that you would be able to reread your own post and see that it is indeed bereft of compassion and that you could clarify, perhaps even apologize for a blanket statement that is grossly inaccurate and limit it to those to whom it applies. You were worth an attempt at an intellectual discourse to me, and if you have read my first post you might have perhaps agreed.
Nothing ventured nothing gained applies here.
The next time you wish to post please do not construct another sentence such as "So, it'll never get resolved here" if you wish people to think you an intelligent individual. Also, your command of the lexicon is somewhat lacking and I must advise you that the English language does not contain the word "uncompassionate". Dispassionate does not apply here as it infers a lack of emotion, and you certainly display plenty of that. The accurate wording is unsympathetic which I believe you are.
At this point I am confident that I would indeed score a victory in that little competition, Salbro. Your own ignorance is showing...
A good night to all Sikorsky workers past and present, and my sincere prayers for us all during a difficult time.
Step-n-a-half

I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be leaving Stratford for good real soon. Don’t try to stop me. We had great times together, but it’s over. Perhaps our eyes will meet one last time during your pre-assigned 4-hour alternate-day drinking-coffee blocking-traffic yelling-at-the-salaried-scumbags duty thing. I’ll be wearing a blue tarp, and I’ll be riding on the back of a flatbed trailer.

Love and Kisses,

Partially Completed Airframe

With regards to Hmmmmm's post of 7:47 PM. Yes, I do think hourly workers compare with the medical profession when we work on aircraft, especially those of us who work on live aircraft. To make it perfectly clear, when the aircraft fails at 2500 feet, there is no side of the road to pull off to. When a Crew Chief signs off a flight release, he is responsible for the safety of that aircraft and all aboard it. When a doctor makes a mistake, he buries them one at a time. An aircraft worker, especially a hangar guy, who makes a mistake can bury them at least three at a time, maybe more. On top of that, factor in the cost of the aircraft. So, yes, we do have that kind of responsibility. So do all aircraft mechanics, no matter who they work for. Remember that the next time you board an airliner. The pilots will do what they can to deal with a malfunction, but it is the mechanic who does his damnedest to make sure that there are none to begin with.

Well said knighthawk! Read On......

Well people, guess what they did now? The word on the street is that in addition to the incident below, guess what happened now???

Again this is just, the word on the street, don’t have any hard facts here. Feel free to comment my salary brothers & sisters.

As I received a termination letter recently, company policy no longer applies so I can BLOGG AWAY!

Someone who obtained a P.I.V. license from a bubble gum machine damaged an aircraft in the Military Hangar.

D.C.M.A. HAS THEM SHUT DOWN! I hope the Skipper doesn’t get sacked over this. If it’s true it’ll be a hell of a way to end an otherwise great military career.

OH WELL, You know what they say, "LIVE BY THE FINGER, DIE BY THE FINGER!" I can recall a time when our brothers had choppers stacked like cordwood, (ah ha, All Of The Good Hangar Stackers Are Outside Stacking Cordwood). Not as much as a scratch would get put on those choppers.

What I want to know is how can the do this they only had 4 birds in the hangar, & don’t tell me the place is banging them out. The assembly line is a ghost town, the salary workers that are there are demoralized, & don’t want to be there!

SCORE ANOTHER ONE FOR THE UNION! GOOOOOO TEAM
UNION – 2
COMPANY - 0

Does any one have any info on this is this for real? Did this actually happen or is this the teamsters propaganda mill on steroids? I found in another blogg:

http://forum.connpost.com/picketline/archive/2006/02/week_1_large_pe.html#comments

Does one of our salaried bloggers care to COMMENT ON THE GROUND STRIKE THAT OCCURED THIS WEEK. Yes you are reading correct a ground strike on the flight field. Apparently without the benefit of one of our N.A.T.O.P.S. TRAINED & CHECK RIDE CERTFIED brothers in the Back to hold thE piloT back, the pilot Hit the stabilator on the Flight fIeld. How he was able to do that with out packing it into a smok’iN hole in the Ground I’ll never know. I just hope someone is held accountablEfor this I heaRd the FAA is investigating D.C.M.A must be livid.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 25, 2006 07:29 PM

Boy that slowed the board down!

Posted by: Anonymous at February 25, 2006 07:34 PM

Get your facts straight.

Posted by: From Salaried Employee at February 25, 2006 07:36 PM

STILL NO REPLIES????????????WHAT GIVES HERE In AVIATION THE LAWS OF PHYSICS RULE , as some are learning the hard way!

Posted by: Anonymous at February 25, 2006 07:37 PM

Again, get your facts straight. What you are describing is not 100% truthful. I cannot elaborate more today, except to say your comments are not 100% accurate.

Posted by: From Salaried Employee at February 25, 2006 07:38 PM

O.K. SO just what are the facts? Tell Us.

COME ON TELL US!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous at February 25, 2006 07:39 PM

Posted by: Anonymous at February 26, 2006 11:45 AM

Except for a few loud mouth rah rah's your very sad picket line looks to those driving by as frozen, broke, and miserable. If you really want to stick together.... get rid of your union. Get your brothers and sisters back to work so they can support their families. Open your eyes. The company is not running back to the table for a reason. Sikorsky Aircraft did not fold when Igor died and it won't fold because of you. You on the other hand are in big trouble without them. In case you are to cold to notice..... your work is leaving...and the company is not running around now looking for vendors to do your work. They were prepared and the vendors were chosen and qualified long before you put your long johns on. If and when you do return what is left will have been rewritten and ACED by your salary counterparts and you will be seeing a new Sikorsky. You will not be returning to what you left behind. Wake up people. Your Union is not winning the fight for your rights. You are almost non-existent in the news now and the factory is up and running darn good for being short 3600 workers. I don't think I would want to know what that means. Your being forgotten. We are each just one number on a list of thousands. You can and will be replaced if necessary. Don't fool yourselves. Get back to work asap however you can manage it. Do it for your families. They are depending on YOU.

Dear Knighthawk,

Don't know where you are getting your info but the line is not a ghost town. It has as much action going on as when you were there. And the salaried employees are not demoralized. They are working as as a team to do whatever needs to be done. As a matter of fact most are actually enjoying the change of pace, the stress free environment and overtime pay they do not normally get. You need to send your informant off to the picket line.

I have just a couple of short comments. (Should be a breath of fresh air after all of the long-winded harangues I've read on here.)

-The ground strike... not a Sikorsky pilot. That's the word that was passed to me. It may be a rumor, may be the truth, I don't know. That's just what my brother-in-law told me.

-Also heard that Monday's meeting went like this. Rocco said that he would be willing to go back to the bargaining table if the same contract were offered again and they could negotiate health care. Company said that offer no longer exists. New offer would consist of 3% pay raises, no ratification bonus, no education reimbursement and lower contribution to pension plan. Oh, and same health plan. Company reiterate that the health plan portion of the deal is non-negitiable.

did anyone see Good Morning America's story on India and how they are taking all our jobs? Food for thought people!!

Posted by: Anonymous at March 1, 2006 06:59 AM

BUSINESS

David Firm On Sikorsky Dispute
UTC Chief Says Company Will Insist That Workers Accept New Health Plan
March 1, 2006
By JOHN M. MORAN, Courant Staff Writer NEW YORK -- The top executive at United Technologies Corp. said Tuesday that the company will "stand firm" in insisting that union workers at its Sikorsky Aircraft division accept a new health insurance plan - one that prompted about 3,600 Teamsters to walk off the job nine days ago.

George David, UTC's chairman and chief executive, said workers throughout the corporation have already agreed to the same kind of health care cost-sharing that is now the sticking point in bargaining for a new Sikorsky labor contract.

"Sikorsky is the last in the [bargaining] cycle, and we have stood firm on every single one so far, and we will stand firm on this one," David told a gathering of Wall Street analysts in New York City.

David also noted that under the Sikorsky plan, UTC will still cover 100 percent of expenses beyond a set out-of-pocket maximum. Offering Teamsters a different plan from that already covering salaried Sikorsky workers and other UTC employees would be "inequitable," he said.

His comments came a day after word that representatives from Sikorsky and leaders of the 3,600 striking Teamsters in Connecticut and Florida had preliminary discussions about resuming contract talks.

Talk about the Sikorsky strike was one of few downsides in an otherwise sunny report on UTC's outlook that was presented to analysts and investors.

David and the heads of the company's six top divisions - Otis Elevator, Carrier, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, Hamilton Sundstrand and UTC Fire & Security - all forecast higher revenue and profits in 2006.

Pratt President Louis Chenevert said the market was strong for the unit's overhaul and repair services, and for parts, as the commercial airline industry continues to recover from the downturn earlier in the decade. He said the unit has high hopes for its military jet engine programs and for a new engine designed to power light commercial aircraft.

Hamilton Sundstrand, the Windsor Locks-based maker of aerospace systems, is benefiting from similar trends, according to its president, David Hess. "I've never seen Hamilton Sundstrand as well positioned for growth as I see it standing here today," he said.

Sikorsky President Steve Finger said his unit remains on track in its five-year plan to double revenue by 2008. Despite the strike, he said, the company delivered three helicopters to customers in the past week and was to deliver a fourth on Monday.

Sikorsky expects to deliver 150 helicopters in 2006, up from 100 last year, Finger said. But he said the ongoing strike could have an impact on the company's first-quarter revenue, depending on how long it takes to resolve the dispute.

Geraud Darnis, president of Carrier, said his unit is making progress in cutting costs and building sales. "Our productivity strategy is working," he said. But Darnis also said higher prices for such raw materials as copper and aluminum would make it more difficult to grow profits.

UTC Fire & Security is continuing to integrate the Chubb and Kidde companies that UTC acquired in recent years, according to division President William Brown. He said the division, UTC's newest, expects to grow its revenue by more than 10 percent in 2006.

Otis Elevator sees higher profits and profit margins in 2006

I'm sure it is not a ghost town, and never said so. What I did say was that the number of people in management who have actually done the job is a VERY small fraction of the number of people you have available. The "ghost town" comment was someone else. Check the posting authors more closely, please. At least I have the guts to post a handle. Like Step-n-a-half, those who know us can identify us by those handles. Those who are working there have to learn the jobs from scratch, and do not have the time pressures to get the job done that have traditionally been placed on us. Again, to make it clear, there was never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over. With the rookies you have out there now, they need to have the time to do it right. Do it "by the numbers" and maybe you'll get a ship done by next month, just in time for us to come back and fix all the crabs we will find on it.

Knighthawk, like many others, is trying to characterize ALL salaried with comments that do not apply to all salaried and I think it is important for folks on all sides of this issue to remember that he is just one person with one opinion that is coming from his limited perspective outside the gate.

Knighthawk is not walking through the gate each day to monitor what is happening on the inside. He is simply speculating and trying to interpolate his experience with a handful of salaried individuals across the entire salaried spectrum. I know, judging by his comments, that he is not aware of my spouse's background, previous job experience, training, government certifications or qualifications. If he did, then perhaps his opinion would change. And if he does not know these things about my spouse, then it stands to reason he does not know these things about the other 8999 salaried personnel inside the plant doing the work.

Granted there may not be 3500 people inside right now doing the work that the Teamsters used to do. But those who are doing it are proving to management that it does not take 3500 Teamsters to do it. I know where my spouse will be when this is over. Can you say the same for yourself, Knighthawk?

When this is all over, word is that the new workforce on the line will all be salaried. If you're lucky enough to come back, no more OT. Its a much better situation. then everyone is on an even playing field.

Has anyone seen George Davids comments in this mornings Hartford Courant?

Lets think about it ...a huge company like UT doesn't see what's going on with the union at Sikorsky. They don't have any inkling that a strike is coming, so they are caught totally unprepared... no back up plan. They haven't started training personnel. They haven't been making plans. They are left totally unprepared when the strike hits. WAKE UP
UTC saw this coming Sikorksy saw this coming. They have been getting ready for months. The union has played into their hands. The strike is giving them the excuse to outsource at a much increased pace from what they had planned. Many union jobs are already gone! Haven't you strikers seen what's leaving the plant? Haven't you noticed more cars coming in. People are being relocated from all the other UTC companies. Whether you want to see it or not, it is happening and if you listen to those old time union or die types, you will die with them. It is not the 60's its a new day. You stand to lose everything and take a lot of people down with you. If its only $.31 for the company as you've been saying, look at it from a point of view that is in your best interest... its only $.31 for you too!! and then you'd have a job and house and college fund. The old guys are behind this because their kids are grown, the mortgage is paid, they have a nest egg to live off of. If the Rocco said jump off this cliff, they would --- unfortunately, they were holding your hand when they did.
I have felt sorry for you who didn't want this, but at some point you have to start living your life for yourself and speak up for yourself and do what is right for you. You can only claim ignorance for so long and then you have to do something. Resign from the union or replace your leadership. They represent dinosaurs and we know what happened to them

Step-

I'm done with you. I've got helicopters to build. However, you're simply wrong about uncompassionate.

Did anyone else read in the CT Post on Sunday where it had the list of companies UTC has bought in the last several years? One company in Australia builds helicopters for the Austtralian and New Zealand military. So there are other people on the UTC payroll that know how to build helicopters. Don't know if those people are here, but they do exist.

Anonymous of 3/1/06 at 8:52AM

I am sure your husband is a well - qualified, hard working individual. There are a few supervisors left who have actually done the job. I know them well and respect them highly. I know full well that sufficient people exist to form a couple or three crews to get a flight or two off, though they are woefully short of electrical help.

I know that there are many good people on the salary payroll. We have them, too. Unfortunately, both sides have at least their fair share of boneheads as well. The salary personnel are doing what they have to because they have to. So are we.

Companies do their damnedest to maximize their profits and minimize their costs to gain the greatest return on their investment. Well, so are we. We invest our time and our labor, we take significant risks in many cases, up to and including death. We are seeking to maximize OUR return on that investment.

In any case, I am not disparaging the many good salaried employees. I AM disparaging those who look upon the hourly worker as a lower form of life. We are not knuckle-draggers. We, too, have educations. Many of us have our degrees. One of my colleagues on the floor has a Masters in Nuclear Physics. It happens that he likes what he does for Sikorsky as an hourly worker. Our loyalty is as much to the product as it is to the company, because we know that lives are at stake every time one of our products leaves the ground. Our loyalty is also to our families, because they depend on us to maximize that return on investment so that they may do as well as we can provide for them, same as you.

Very nice Knighthawk. Well said.

Yes, it was well said. Just as not all hourly employees are alike, neither are all salaried employees. And just as you have your good guys, you also have the bad eggs. Same on both sides, humanity is comprised of all kinds. Can we not end the debate between hourly and salaried and pick up with the real issues of the rising cost of health care in this country and what we shall all do if Sikorsky pulls out?

Anonymous - I agree. The real issue is not salary vs. hourly. Once this is all gone, that will leave lasting scars. But neither is the real issue the rising cost of healthcare in America. This strike will not fix that. There are other avenues to address that. This strikes deals only with Sikorsky... more importantly UTC. UTC, whether we like it or not, has the right to have all of its employees under one managed healthcare system. I repeat, that is their right. We all have options if we don't like the company's choices. Most of us look around to see if we can get a better deal somewhere else, and when we do, we leave. I would whole heartedly support the union workers right to do that. The part that I don't agree with is that they are jeopardizing everyone's job in the long run and the fate of CT as well as our military during a time of war. They should have kept working without a contract and tried to find other employment. I think once they looked around for real, they'd realize that while its not perfect, because no company is, (as stated each side is made up of good and not so good) its probably the best deal most of the workers, salary and hourly will get. Let's not forget, for a lot of Sikorksy workers, their expertise is very job specific and there aren't many helicopter designing and building jobs within commuting distance.
Health care in this country stinks. There are many many good hard working people who have none. But this won't be solved this way.

Under the best of circumstances, it doesn't make much sense to do business in CT. The cost of living is too high and that raises company costs. And this certainly isn't the best of circumstances. If Sikorsky stays, they have unprecidented loyalty in the corporate world. The next step is to move to another state. After that, its another country. Did you know that India is now drawing American workers because a lot of the jobs are going there?

I genuinely feel sorry for all the poor souls of 1150 who attempted to retain their employment at Sikorsky by voting for the tendered contract. However, they have no right to complain about being lumped in with the others in the union, whether it is in regard to character generalizations or responsibility for this strike action (not a lockout).

A union is a collective group seeking to negotiate wages for each of its members. Even though each member in the union might appear to have individuality within the union, the company sees only one mass entity. They will not deal with any individual as long as they're in the union. I'm happy to be salary where responsibility for wages, benefits, promotions and continued employment rests squarely on my shoulders. I'll leave the union to those who can't/won't stand on their own or those who are misguidedly altruistic (I suggest you guys on the picket line read "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand, you seem to have the time).

Each person in the union made the choice at one point to take the job at Sikorsky. At that moment, each accepted the fact that to work as hourly at Sikorsky, he must join the union and give up individuality. You are now living with the consequences of that decision.

The Fountainhead... excellent, excellent read! Very good suggestion!

Face it!!! your company S.A.C is going to win this battle and as far as I can see you have already traded about $5,000 in sign on bonuses, lost wages for 2 weeks and received free donuts and coffee. Wake up 1150 cattle!!! Cross the line if you get the chance,(don't let 1150 decide your family's future)..this trade off crap should of been dicussed with U.T.C when you were employed and not out in the cold standing over barrels of fire.who negotiated this contract for you, Homer Simpson? Soon those strike signs might just read, I will work for food...

Spoken like a true quitter- last poster. Would have to disagree about the cattle but the grilled venison was quite tasty. No one ever said it would be easy or without sacrifice.

My Dear Teamster Brothers & Sisters, there is talk on the line regarding, Sikorsky human resources contacting our brothers & sisters to come back to work. I implore you to stand firm. Please do not go back without the benefit of a contract. Tell them you would love to come back, as soon as they get the contract issue resolved! If you go back you will have NO CHOICE in what your job is. This means that if they tell you to clean the lavatory, you have 2 choices, DO IT, or refuse & BE FIRED!

Like the lions, they will go for the most vulnerable first.

They are going to call the most recent hirers first. They will be calling you first as most of you are young & haven’t been around for 20 – 30 years to see THE STEADY EROSION OF BENEFITS THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE. They are also going to imply that this will be a good opportunity for advancement, friends of yours are going to come back… Don’t buy it. Ask them, “Why are you telling me about Jo Blow? Do you think I incapable of thinking for myself? That I may base my decision on what some one else is going to do? They may hang out that tempting promise of a raise or a leadman / leadlady position. Don’t be taken in by these lies!

I assure you that this strike too shall end. Weather or not the union prevails, you are going to end up working alongside your former union brothers & sisters. I assure you, you will find a very uncomfortable atmosphere upon our returning to work. No one will physically harm you, but you will be shunned to the point that you will wish they had. I was not around for the strike of 1960. I did not come aboard until 1979. That was 19 years after the united autoworkers strike. I can still remember the fingers being pointed at the scabs. They would come to the tool crib and everyone at the counter would leave, all of the tool crib employees would suddenly have to go to the lavatory. You will never break bread in the cafeteria with anyone but other scabs. I have a brother who is in management, HE told me not to dare cross the line. What happens is right now they need you & everyone on the inside will be nice to you. Once we come back to work your position on the balance sheet go from the asset column & into the liability column. HR will be a sympathetic ear, but they will be powerless to help you out with the negative interpersonal relationship that will exist between you & your coworkers. There is no law that will require others to be nice to you. Your foreman, (whom used to be on our side of the line), will pay you lip service, but will be powerless to help you if he wanted to. Eventually you will become a pain in the ass to him, & you will become a sad, frustrated person caught in the neither world of scabbsville.

In closing, I have not voted to accept every contract offered over the years. When the votes were counted, & results to accept the contract as offered passed, I went to work the next day, as did all others who voted to reject previous contracts. With that in mind, over 70% voted to reject this contract, we need your support as UNITED WE STAND DEVIDED WE FALL!

ROCK ON BROTHERS & SISTERS!

It is very curious why those of you espousing to know the facts and asking people to follow your direction do not post your names. Why would anyone follow the lead of someone who doesn't have the guts to identify him/her-self.

In response to Anonymous's posting about HR contacting people to cross the line: How can you judge someone for trying to survive? You don't know their situation. Not everyone on strike has been with the company 27+ years and can afford this. We all have families to provide for and this strike is making basic survival tough to say the least. How dare you make threats to what 'work' life will be after the strike ends for anyone who crosses the line. And no, for your information, my husband won't cross the line. We'll find other ways to survive this. Call me naive, but I just don't think anyone has the right to judge/harrass any worker who has to make the difficult decision to cross the line.

I don't have the time to count how many times I have seen this big "Rock on Brother's and Sisters". First and everytime it is the same. It starts out spouting Union propagada and then threatens their so called Brothers and Sisters with a horrible work life if they go back to work. You have no idea why people choose to go back to work. It could be a devastating choice for these people. Rather than react with some compasion you threaten never to talk to them again, make faces at them, talk about them and call them names. Nice. Real Nice. Very Mature. That is high school stuff guys. None of us are in position to judge anyone else. We all have to do what we have to do.

Oh and another thing. Devided is really spelled divided.

Brrrrr, its cold outside.
Good thing I have a nice warm place to go to.
I have nothing against the hourly people, well the ones who actually work anyway.
Its the ones who think being asked to do their job is some form of harrassament....
Hope they like standing in the snow and ice....
I feel for the workers who are "stuck" by not be able to come to work, my heart goes out to all of you, as I once was in your shoes. 15 years of being on the floor gave me enough incentive to go to back to school and get my degree. Nothing is perfect, but being a salary employee has had many more positives than I ever could hope for on the clock.

Too bad, can't we all just get along????

This was cut from a post by:
enlightened1 at March 3, 2006 04:56 AM
http://forum.connpost.com/picketline/archive/2006/03/generation_gap.html#comments

"How many people would kill to have our jobs?
We need...�

Your question should have been, How many people WILL BE KILLED BEFORE WE have our jobs BACK?

That is an answer I do not have, in 1996 it was 4. You may recall good old Irwin. While he was killing off inspection, KAYDON burned.

Sikorsky's senior stable of MBAs suffers from a lack of healthy fear that aviation presents on a continuing basis. Aviation doesn't suffer fools lightly. Aviation doesn't care if you’re an hourly or salary employee. If you mess up it will be reported on the obituary page. The sad part is that the name on the obituary page is usually not the person who created the situation that leads to a disaster. That's how it went down in May of 1996!

One of good old Irwin’s fellow VP’s, (the last of a breed that came up through the ranks & knew how an aircraft was built referred to him as, “Irwin, you ??? bastard!
As I am not an anti-Semite I will let you fill in the blank. I’ll give you a hint, 3 letter word, first letter follows I in the alphabet, last letter is a W.

Looks like someone already taken our jobs!

Title: Helicopter Personnel
Location: Strafford, CONNECTICUT
Company: Reliance Aerotech Services
Click here to Apply or find out more.
Description: Reliance Aerotech Services is seeking highly qualified Helicopter Specialist in the following skill areas for a short term fill-in contract in Strafford CT.
Aircraft Painters A&P Mechanics Precision assemblers / flight safety parts Machine part assemblers Electrical aircraft installers Electrical assemblers(Avionics) Sheet metal workers Composite workers Machinists Aircraft Inspectors

Applicants must have three or more year's experience in their respective skill discipline. Rotor wing experience required and military aircraft maintenance experience is a plus.

This is a short term contract starting ASAP.

Pay package will be $30.00 per hour straight, $45.00 per hour overtime. Per-diem will range from $50.00 per day for local employees and up to $150.00 per day for out of state employees.

Work schedules will be 40 hours straight time and 15 hours overtime per week.

Contact the Recruiter at (615) 627-0742, email resume to resumes@relianceaerotech.com, or fax to (615)627-0743. EOE
Job Updated: 2/27/2006

I have 3 brief points to make:

Sitting at the light on Warner Hill Rd. the other day for an extended period of time, I noticed the police stopping traffic in all directions, waiting for strikers to clear the way for Sikorsky employees to exit the parking lot. It was QUITE obvious that several men on the line were "dogging" it like you wouldn't believe! It was an obvious message to everyone, not just the working employees, that said, "Up your nose!"

I also observed 7 policemen at that one gate! Some of them were off to the side chatting. At the south gate near the parkway, there wer 3 cops, not directing traffic, but rather chatting with a guy and his wife in an SUV. The headlines in the Post say that the town needs help from the state to pay for OT! I don't live in Stratford any more, but some of that money from the state actually comes from me. Talk about featherbedding!

Finally, wouldn't it be nice of the"Fat Cats" to forego their tremendous salaries and "get by" only on their millions of dollars in bonuses and stock options?

I was going to send a letter to the editor but decided against it because of the backlash. At last I found a forum!

Welcome Anon 8:31. Hope you like it here. Make yourself comfortable and tell us what you think!!

A real look from the inside:

A lot of salaried people are very disgusted at the picketers for being blamed for showing up to work . As only one example, we are being verbally insulted with phrases like “scab� when this phrase does not apply to us at all. We are salaried workers who take pride in doing our jobs (not someone else’s job). We don’t belong to any union. It represents absolute stupidity and ignorance on behalf of some of the union rank and file to use this name calling. This rhetoric has died down some in the last few days, perhaps because some strikers are starting to realize that we must support families just like they need to. Any consideration for your cause will not happen with this type of treatment.

I have has enjoyed my job with Sikorsky for many years and have been involved in program management. I love my old job. Reality is that with this strike all are losers including management, salaried and mostly (the strikers). Jobs are currently being outsourced. This means that jobs will never come back. It is becoming just too damn expensive to do business in Connecticut. Also, dealing with the Sikorsky union is simply bad for business. One thing is absolutely true: PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO DO YOUR JOBS. Overtime for some is the only benefit. The first week was ok but it really totally sucks now. It is very common to overhear people say how they hate doing work assigned to them. However, they will not dare say how they “really� feel around management because it will imply their disloyalty.

The work is getting done very slowly and painfully. During the day, people go back and forth from their new jobs to their old jobs. There are those who make excuses that they have deadlines to meet in the old job requirements just to get OUT of the shop as long as they can. WE HATE DOING YOUR JOBS. Stress and decreasing morale is starting to be felt by many since they must be on top of two jobs at once. Some managers (the ones that feel that they can make a difference in this awful situation) get very upset and gossip constantly that some are intentionally trying to avoid hourly work. They feel this is unfair to them. These dedicated managers want people to spend the same time in the shop as they do. Most managers quietly sneak away back to their office office as long as they can get away with it!

I can tell you that there are many aspects of shop work that require an extremely high degree of knowledge and experience. Many union and salaried people who do these jobs have many years of valuable experience. Unfortunately, many salaried are being forced to do the low skilled jobs since that is all they can do at this point in time. Sikorsky simply will not be able to meet demand from their customers. We are already behind and no production has actually begun in our area. We have only shipped those products which are nearly or almost completed this past few weeks. Low sales means lower business in the future.

My feeling are that the union should have carefully considered the consequences of a strike. Unfortunately, union members have the most to lose in all of this. Everyone is impacted.

Please Feel free to respond to my comments.

Best of the text i read about a problem.

Your article is prety nice. It's a pity that i didn't see it more later.

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