In This Together CT

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) is praising yesterday’s vote by the Connecticut General Assembly to override Governor M. Jodi Rell’s veto of the Sustinet Plan healthcare bill.  This important legislation will bring much needed coverage to citizens of the state and will be a first step on the path toward economic stability for Connecticut’s struggling economy. (more…)

Today the Connecticut Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Connecticut’s state employee unions are entitled to a trial of their claims that former Governor John M. Rowland illegally fired 2,800 public service workers seven years ago. Rowland had requested immunity from charges he abused the power of his office to silence the voices of his critics when he fired thousands of members of the unions in the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) beginning in November of 2002. (more…)

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) launched their 5th television ad in a series of increasingly pointed messages urging elected leaders to pass a budget that asks millionaires and corporations to pay their fair share of taxes instead of further punishing the middle-class and the state’s most vulnerable citizens. The most recent ad takes aim at the Governor for protecting the wealthy in a time of crisis.

“On the eve of June 30, the end of the state’s fiscal year, the Governor is still threatening to veto a workable budget that will help our state get out of this economic mess,” said Sharon Palmer, President of AFT Connecticut. “It is inexcusable that she is putting us all at risk to protect millionaires and others who should be part of the solution.” (more…)

Leaders of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) issued a letter to Governor Rell Tuesday calling on her to make good on her comments that all Connecticut residents must “share” in the sacrifices necessary to get our economy back on track. Signed by the leaders of the thirteen unions that comprise SEBAC, the communication asks the Governor to consider increasing the tax rates for the wealthy as a key part of the budget solution.

“We respect your view that increasing the top tax rates on Connecticut’s wealthiest would be worse for the economy than the cuts you’ve proposed on Connecticut’s neediest and on the middle class,” reads the letter. “We also believe it’s dead wrong.” (more…)

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) released their fourth television ad today, which calls on Governor M. Jodi Rell to make sure that the state’s wealthiest residents and most profitable corporations do their part to ease the current economic crisis.

Last month, members of the thirteen unions that comprise SEBAC voted to accept wage freezes, furlough days and other givebacks to help the state balance its budget. The agreement returned $700 million to state coffers to help address the worsening budget situation. These working men and women voted in support of this agreement with the expectation that others would be called upon for “shared” sacrifice as well.  (more…)

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) today responded to Governor M. Jodi Rell’s second budget attempt, saying it falls far short of what Connecticut needs to get back on the path to economic recovery.

“Slashing services that people need more than ever is not the answer,” said Dan Livingston, SEBAC’s chief negotiator. “Taking more money out of the economy is not the answer. If the Governor truly wants to use this crisis to make lasting change, she should address Connecticut’s revenue system that protects the wealthy and big corporations and penalizes middle-class families and our state’s most vulnerable citizens.” (more…)

As Connecticut’s elected leaders grapple with a $10 billion deficit, the thirteen unions of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) have stayed true to their pledge to push for a viable long term budget solution: revenue reform. Their latest television ad, titled “Simple Problem” reminds the governor and legislators that drastic budget cuts will not only cripple public service delivery but will also cause further job loss in the private sector. (more…)

In response to Connecticut’s $10 billion deficit, the thirteen unions of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) have come together to urge the wealthy and big corporations to pay their fair share too. State public service workers have stepped up with approximately $700 million in budget savings, in the form of wage freezes and furlough days, among other givebacks.

The General Assembly’s House of Representatives voted last night to approve SEBAC’s cost-saving package, and a vote is expected in the Senate today.  (more…)

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) announced today that public service workers voted by a 3 to 1 margin in favor of the agreement that was negotiated between SEBAC and the Rell Administration.

Lead union negotiator Dan Livingston said that the public service workers, by working with the Administration in good faith, made a major contribution toward solving the state’s budget crisis. “As in any negotiation, both sides had to give a little in order to reach an agreement that was fair and that would win the support of the working families who comprise SEBAC’s membership,” he said. “This was not an easy process, but our members saw the need to protect public services for the people of this state and wanted to be part of the solution. At the same time, we hope we’ve provided an example so that others who can really afford to help — Connecticut’s wealthiest residents, and its largest corporations — will come forward and do their part as well.” (more…)

Leaders of the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) met late Friday and voted to recommend a tentative SEBAC agreement (SEBAC TA) with the Rell Administration to be sent to union members. The tentative agreement would save the state more than $700 million dollars.  (more…)