Sikorsky begins layoffs in advance of decision on Army contract

Against the uncertain outcome of a protest awarding a major contract to rival Bell, Sikorsky reportedly has begun layoffs in Stratford and Maryland, with those workers hitting a continuing strong job market for those with strong technical skills or business experience.

Sikorsky has begun job cuts among salaried employees not covered under union agreements, as reported by New Haven Biz. Sikorsky parent Lockheed Martin announced plans in January to eliminate 800 jobs in its rotary and mission systems division, without stating how many Sikorsky jobs could be cut.

The company employed 8,000 people in Connecticut at last report and 13,000 in all, with its workforce expanding and ebbing over the years depending on military orders.

In Maryland, the company is laying off about 175 people next month, which the Washington Business Journal reported is the result of testing having been concluded on Sikorsky’s new CH-53K King

Stallion helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marines aim to field a fleet of 200 King Stallions now being built in Stratford.

A Lockheed Martin spokesperson forwarded a corporate statement to CT Insider saying the action addresses lower production volumes.

“We intend to retain as many as possible who can fill our open business-critical positions in our Rotary and Mission Systems business segment and across Lockheed Martin and will continue to hire for roles that are required to support our customers’ urgent national security missions,” the Lockheed Martin statement reads.

Sikorsky currently has more than 40 openings in Connecticut for varying positions.