STRATFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Helicopter maker Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is cutting 200 hourly jobs, blaming reduced spending by the federal government and other countries and rising costs to compete.
The subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. said Thursday it is offering eligible union-represented workers a voluntary separation.
Rocco Calo, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 1150, which represents Sikorsky workers, said federal budget cuts that took effect in March are hurting the military side of the helicopter business.
He said workers who to agree to leave Sikorsky must be at least 55 and receive a $5,000 lump sum, severance pay and a year of dental and medical insurance.
Sikorsky announced in June the layoffs of 200 salaried workers due to military spending cuts and the uneven economic recovery.
Sikorsky employs more than 15,800 workers.
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