(03/10/06) STRATFORD ? Governor Jodi Rell (R-CT) offered to step in and mediate the labor dispute between Sikorsky Aircraft and its striking union workers Friday.

Rell says she would like to sit down with both sides at her office in an effort to jumpstart talks. The governor feels both sides must understand the strike?s full effect on workers, families, communities and the entire state of Connecticut. Rell made her offer one day after Sikorsky announced it had hired temporary replacement workers and would be moving some work out of the state.

The president of Teamsters Local 1150 says he supports Rell?s effort. Representatives for Sikorsky did not immediately comment on the matter. Friday marked day 19 of the strike.

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