Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General's Statement On Pratt & Whitney Effort To Block Fight To Protect Jobs

October 14, 2009

"I am proud that my office is leading the state's legal effort to stop Pratt from moving 1,000 jobs overseas and elsewhere. Our effort in support of Connecticut working men and women seeks to spare them and our entire state economy the disastrous harm that Pratt threatens to inflict through mass layoffs despite tax credits and other benefits state taxpayers have provided over the years.

"Our role and perspective -- distinct and different from any other party -- is to advocate a broader public interest and provide a unique factual and legal argument supporting that interest. As a friend of the court, we are ready to show that Pratt failed to seriously consider the governor's proposed $100 million package and otherwise bargain in good faith as required by law.

"I will seek to participate as fully and actively as possible, despite Pratt's efforts to restrict or silence us. Their opposition -- or apparent fear of our advocacy -- is regrettable.

"As the state's chief civil law enforcement officer, I am fighting to uphold laws that protect workers when their employers fail to adhere to labor agreements. In the past, I have taken similar action necessary to enforce laws protecting workers, including the successful 2000 challenge to Pratt & Whitney's similar illegal attempt to move jobs out of state."