The lack of an agreement in Washington to fund the federal government is being felt quickly in Connecticut. United Technologies says it may furlough more than 5,000 workers if the government shutdown continues into next month.
According to the Connecticut Post, the company said Wednesday that its Sikorsky division, which makes Black Hawk helicopters, would be hit first. It expects nearly 2,000 employees, including those employed at facilities in Connecticut, Florida and Alabama, will be furloughed Monday, October 7.
The Hartford-based manufacturer said it would halt some defense manufacturing because government inspectors have been furloughed. That leaves Sikorsky without the necessary federal approvals to make military products.
If the shutdown continues through next week, the furloughs would extend to its Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems division, bringing the total number of employees on hold up to 4,000. That number could exceed 5,000 if the shutdown stretches into next month.
