Sikorsky and the union did have initial contact with each other to explore what opportunities there are to resume negotiations. We'll need some further evaluation of that contact today to see if an opportunity presents itself to get back to the table.
We believe this is a good, fair and competitive offer. The rising cost of health care is something that's affecting all Americans. We're asking our union employees to shoulder more of the cost . . . to keep our factories in Connecticut and Florida competitive.
We see no basis for resuming negotiations. We are operating under a contingency plan implemented after the union decided to strike.
The ball is in their court. We believe we have presented a fair contract. We are asking that the union reconsider their decision.
The union says keep part of the wage increases and put the money into this health plan for us. We think our plan accomplishes that and more so. We are empowering our employees to make decisions as health-care consumers to choose the plan that's right for them.