WASHINGTON — Gov. M. Jodi Rell urged both sides of the Sikorsky strike to go back to the negotiating table Tuesday — a message echoed by members of the state's congressional delegation.

"For the benefit of Sikorsky, its workers and their families, and Connecticut's economy, it is imperative that negotiations resume and that everyone gets back to work," Rell said in a statement.

The 3,600-member Teamsters Local 1150 voted Sunday to reject Sikorsky's contract offer and go on strike.

Rell said that she spoke Tuesday to Sikorsky President Stephen Finger and Local 1150 President Harvey Jackson and strongly urged them to return to the bargaining table as quickly as possible.

Sens. Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman, both D-Conn., sent separate letters Tuesday to Finger urging him to go back to the bargaining table. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4, planned to greet striking workers at the Stratford plant this morning and contact Sikorsky executives later in the day.

A key issue is the company plan to increase employees' medical co-pays and contributions. The union countered with an offer to scrap a $2,000 bonus and cut the pay raise to 3 percent in order to keep medical coverage the same. The company would not agree to those terms.

Dodd and Lieberman appeared sympathetic to the hourly workers. "Like many Connecticut residents, they are worried about how they are going to meet rising health-care costs for their families," Lieberman said. "I urge

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management at Sikorsky to resume negotiations and do everything possible to reach an equitable settlement with the people who are the lifeblood of this company. This isn't about bashing anyone — it's about trying to find reasonable ways to address what I think are understandable concerns."

"These workers are the backbone of Sikorsky. It goes without saying that this is a very serious matter that needs to be addressed," Dodd said. "People of good faith can disagree, but I would hope that the company would re-enter and redouble efforts to talk to these workers to see if some common ground can be found."

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, said she plans to contact Sikorsky and union officials this week to encourage both sides to negotiate.

"They've got lots of work there," DeLauro said of the helicopter manufacturer. "So this should not be a time for a strike."

At the end of 2005, Sikorsky had a business backlog of $7.53 million, including $2.26 million under U.S. government contracts and subcontracts. That compares with a backlog of $6.9 million in 2004, of which $2.35 million came from federal government contracts, according to the Associated Press.

DeLauro noted that the disagreement over health benefits is symptomatic of a larger national problem that needs to be addressed.

Heath-care costs are skyrocketing, making it hard for employees and employers.

Shays said that after he meets with Sikorsky workers, he plans to speak to management later in the day.

In his letter to Finger, Dodd urged company negotiators to consider alternative proposals that might bring the company and union together.

Dodd said it was his understanding that, aside from the disagreement over health-care benefits, the employee representatives have essentially embraced Sikorsky's contract proposal, and may be willing to consider forfeiting other benefits in exchange for a different health insurance package.

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