We knew it was inevitable and now it has happened: OPM sent a letter March 16th requesting a meeting with SEBAC leaders meet to discuss pension and healthcare concessions.
SEBAC met March 17th to discuss and respond to the request.
Today, SEBAC leaders responded via letter to OPM that we would meet to discuss the State's fiscal situation. Our response was an indication that we are not meeting to discuss concessions. A&R members need to know that, at this time, there are no concession talks and the SEBAC agreement is not "open". Circumstances are dynamic and we will continue to update everyone as the situation evolves.
AFT - CT released a nice, on-point message:
Union leadership welcomes an opportunity to meet but does not have the authorization of our elected rank-and-file leadership to enter into any discussions about reopening our 2011 agreement.
We understand the purpose of the governor’s request to meet. But his proposals to balance the budget at our expense, reduce public services and lay off thousands of employees will hurt both our economy and our most vulnerable residents.
Our 2011 agreement actually provides solutions without the need to re-open or make further changes. We hope the administration will agree to meet so we can discuss concrete and substantive ways to resolve the current and future state budget deficits.
It’s an opportunity to urge that they stop using state employees as a punching bag and start asking Connecticut’s CEOs and hedge fund managers to pay their fair share.