MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley defended his business record on Thursday, saying he ultimately saved unionized workers’ jobs following a lengthy strike at a Pennsylvania plant he previously owned.

During a tour of Middletown businesses, Foley told The Associated Press that hiring replacement workers during the early 1990s was “one of the tougher decisions” he made during his business career, but contends Connecticut needs that type of leadership and experience. Foley has come under fire from union leaders who support Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and claim Foley has an “ugly” past as a businessman.