A different day, a different chamber and a much different debate.
The Senate voted 30-2 Thursday to approve state employee raises for a largely blue-collar bargaining unit without the objections raised in the House on Wednesday about the deal’s long-term affordability.
Senate Minority Leader Minority Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, opened his remarks Thursday by offering political cover to the 31 Republicans who voted against the deal in the House and the two who would do so in the Senate.
“I do want to make one thing very clear, that ‘no’ votes on this contract is in no way stating a lack of support for these employees, these hard-working individuals. It is a reminder of the fiscal responsibility that we have as state legislators,” Harding said.
A fiscal analysis says it will cost the state $12 million in the current fiscal year, rising to $45 million in the final year of the four-year contract.
Harding voted for it, joining a chorus of other legislators who sang the praises of unionized state workers who perform the jobs of collecting trash, fixing roads and serving meals.
Some are highly visible, such as wearing yellow safety vests on state highways. Others are not.
“You sort of see them, but you really don’t see them,” said Sen. Henri Martin, R-Bristol. “And I don’t think we have an opportunity to really express how thankful we are.”
Where House Republicans complained the raises were out of line with the private sector, a different view was offered in the Senate.
“These are really blue-collar workers. This increase is in line with what you’re seeing in the private sector for this type of work,” said Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton. “And I think it’s important that we actually show some support for those who are showing up and doing this kind of work every single day.”
“Showing up” was an indication that Republicans have not dropped their opposition to the ability of many state workers to work remotely.
The contract awarded to a bargaining unit represented by CEUI, the Connecticut Employees Union Independent, means general wage increases of 2.5% a year for an estimated 3,661 state employees.
With annual step increases and lump sum payments for workers already at the top of the pay scale, the annual effective raises will be about 4.5%, according to the union. House Republicans had pegged it at 5%.
Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, said the contract was deserved and affordable.
“This is a reasonable contract, one that recognizes the crucial nature of the work that these state employees do, and that clearly this is something that is not in any way excessive, but is appropriate, given the importance of their work to the state of Connecticut and our capacity to meet the to meet that need,” Looney said.
The two “no”‘” votes were cast by Sen. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, who is running for governor, and Sen. Rob Sampson, R-Wolcott.
Carl Chisem, the president of CEUI SEIU Local 511, called the contract “fair and honorable.”
“Our vital blue collar workforce is being crushed by the affordability crisis here in Connecticut. This contract is a step towards addressing this crisis,” he said. “Our members are the backbone of our state, and passing this contract is a win for them and a win for Connecticut residents.”
Other contracts negotiated by the administration of Gov. Ned Lamont are on the way for legislative approval.