The coalition representing unionized state employees said today it expects Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to rescind layoff notices now that both sides have agreed to "clarify" a concession agreement designed to save the state $1.6 billion over the next two years.
"Students in the state's vocational schools deserve athletics and arts programs, correctional facilities should not be dangerously overcrowded, and commuters need viable public transportation options. That requires keeping the workers who deliver these and other services cut in the governor's alternative budget on the job,'' states a press release issued today by the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition.
Malloy had begun the process of laying off thousands of state employees and closing state offices such as Department of Motor Vehicle branches in his quest to balance the budget. More than 1,800 state workers have already received layoff notices; some were expected to leave their posts as soon as next week.
The Malloy administration and the unions agreed late last night to clarify the language in the concession deal after the union rejected it in June. The substance of the pact has not changed, Malloy said, but it does contain new language addressing concerns expressed by some members about changes to the healthcare plan.
It was the union's initial rejection of the proposal that set into motion a Plan B budget, which called for layoffs, cutbacks and closings.
Democratic legislative leaders praised the willingness of both the administration and SEBAC to work together to avoid mass layoffs.
"We congratulate both the leadership of SEBAC and Governor Malloy for concluding respectful discussions and reaching an agreement that - if ratified by union members - will protect thousands of jobs and help retain services that families expect and rely upon,'' said a joint statement issued by Senate President Don Williams and House Speaker Chris Donovan.
"The majority of state employees supported the agreement when they voted weeks ago and we urge their colleagues to follow their lead. Ratification is clearly the best option for Connecticut's fragile economy."
The union must now vote on the "clarified" agreement; individual bargaining units will schedule their own ratification votes. A timeline has not be set, according to the press release issued by SEBAC this afternoon.
SEBAC Spokesman Matt O'Connor said he could not comment beyond the release. Officials are spending much of the day in meetings to present the agreement and formulate plans to get it approved and implemented.
Union officials have pledged to do what they can to convince members that the "clarified" agreement is a good deal for state workers. "There is an urgent need to have an agreement in place quickly to stop further layoffs and protect those members who have already received pink slips,'' the union press release states.