Gov. Dannel Malloy and Connecticut’s union leaders say they are about to begin negotiating a concessions deal that could ward off thousands of layoffs.
“Given the limited number of issues that have been identified as problematic, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of days to have a clarified agreement that’s ready to be voted on by all state employees,” Malloy said in a statement late Monday.
Earlier Monday, leaders of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, which represents 15 state unions and 45,000 employees, amended their bylaws to change labor contracts more easily. Workers last month rejected a concessions agreement, after which Malloy submitted an alternate plan calling for 6,560 layoffs in order to help close a $1.6 billion budget gap.
Under new rules, the support of eight unions and 50% of members is necessary to pass a labor agreement. Previous bylaws needed approval by at least 14 unions, in addition to 80% of workers.
“It’s good news that the unions have changed their ratification process to one that respects the will of the majority,” Malloy said. Mark Ojakian, deputy secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, will meet with union leaders to clarify areas of discussion, according to the governor.
“The alternative budget plans released Friday show that any alternative is unacceptable. The cuts in the executive and judicial branch budget would quickly cause chaos and create a Connecticut that none of us recognizes,” SEBAC said in a statement. “Leaders are now urging the Malloy administration to sit down as soon as possible to discuss a new mutual agreement that the 45,000 members of their unions can vote on.”
Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings all rate Connecticut’s general obligation bonds double-A.
