HARTFORD, Conn. — A proposed strike by thousands of Connecticut group home workers was averted early Friday after a $184 million agreement between the state and SEIU District 1199.
Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement that the agreement is a “tentative settlement” between the union and the owners of the group homes.
“This is an important agreement which represents my administration’s commitment to respecting the collective bargaining and negotiation process, while also ensuring those in the care of these homes are receiving the services they need,” he said. “This agreement is a positive step forward for the workers as they will receive pay increases and more support. I thank SEIU and the industry leaders for working collaboratively with our administration to reach this agreement.”
Group home workers were calling on the state to come up with more funds for their wages and benefits. They were due to strike at 6 a.m. Friday.
However, the union announced workers withdrew notices for a strike after agreeing to the funding package for the next two years.
“We believe this additional funding will resolve the open contracts. We have made substantial progress toward our goals for a $20 minimum wage, with major progress on retirement and other benefits,” said Rob Baril, president of District 1199 New England, SEIU. “This is a great victory for racial and economic justice for the majority of Black and Latina women who make up this workforce of caregivers. All strike notices have been immediately withdrawn.”
Copies of the union’s strike withdrawal notices were received by the Connecticut Department of Public Health late Thursday night from group homes owned by Journey Found, Mosaic, Network, Oak Hill, Sunrise, and Whole Life.
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