The Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth was recently established by the Legislature via PA 17-2 Sec. 250. The Commission has heard testimony from the Yankee Institute as well as the CBIA.
The Commission is expected to make recommendations to the Legislature on a variety of issues which may be extremely impactful to the future of organized labor in Connecticut. The Commission is co-chaired by two prominent business leaders: health-care entrepreneur Robert Patricelli and Webster Bank’s chairman and former chief executive officer, James Smith. Most of the board members come from big business. As noted, the Commission has heard testimony from the CBIA and the Yankee Institute, but union leaders have not been invited to testify.
The CBIA and Yankee Institute, as you are likely aware, would like nothing more than to see organized labor, and the rights of workers to speak with a unified voice, curtailed in Connecticut. Doing away with binding arbitration and collective bargaining in Connecticut are high among their highest priorities. The Commission may make such recommendations to the Legislature.
Prominent labor leaders have spoken out. CT AFL-CIO President Lori Pelletier has noted that the state’s chief business lobby is urging the Commission to recommend to the Legislature overhauling state pensions and collective bargaining — before any conclusions have been announced. It appears the fix is in,” said Pelletier. Pelletier, represents more than 200,000 workers in Connecticut, including A&R members. Referring to statements made by the CBIA, which released its agenda this week for the 2018 General Assembly session, Pelletier said “We can’t help but wonder if the business lobby has some inside track and knows the recommendations have already been decided".
The Commission must deliver their recommendations to the Legislature by March 1. We will be keeping a close eye on what develops and keep you informed.
Related articles:
Link to CT Mirror Article
Link to CT News Junkie
Posted 2/9/18