Leaders of the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) – which includes AFT Connecticut and 10 of our local affiliates – have reached a tentative agreement in negotiations over medical and post-employment benefits. The mutual settlement provides greater peace of mind to union members who may have felt pressure to consider an early retirement. The following update is being shared with those who make “The Connecticut Difference” every day in communities across our state:
The SEBAC agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2027 and negotiations are underway between the State and the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) for a successor agreement. From opposite sides of the bargaining table, it is already clear the parties share an understanding of how important these benefits are to maintaining a strong, experienced public workforce. And that it is essential that employees looking towards their future continue to provide the services upon which the public depends
From public education, safe roads and bridges, public safety, healthcare and everything in between, our state workforce is what shapes the public services they provide. Pension, healthcare and the other employment benefits negotiated through the SEBAC Agreement are a critical part of Connecticut’s ability to recruit and retain the workforce that delivers the public services our communities rely on every day.
While the full negotiations continue, the parties have reached an agreement that no changes in pension or healthcare will occur before June 30, 2028 unless mutually agreed upon by both the State and SEBAC, adding more certainty for members. That should give plenty of time for employees to have all the information they need to make the best decisions about their future.
While our intent is to reach an agreement or an arbitrated award that will give all employees an incentive to stay in state service for many years beyond the June 30, 2027 expiration date, we know that uncertainty can lead to decisions being made out of fear rather than information, and this way no employee needs to be anxious about staying in state service beyond the June 30th date.
As bargaining moves forward, please reach out to your union stewards, staff and leaders with any questions or concerns. Together we can make progress towards making our state a better, fairer place to work, and towards recruiting and retaining the public sector workforce our communities need to thrive.
