Union calls off group home strike

Journal Inquirer (Manchester, CT)

Jun. 4—A planned strike today by unionized group home workers was called off after a $184 million, two-year funding agreement was reached with the state, union and state officials said.

The more than 2,100 caregivers from SEIU District 1199 New England were ready for a 6 a.m. strike, saying they wanted livable wages and benefits, as well as affordable health insurance and a path to retirement.

Neither the union nor Gov. Ned Lamont's office gave details of the agreement in their announcements that the strike had been called off.

Copies of the union's strike withdrawal notices were received by the state Department of Public Health late Thursday night, according to a news release from the governor's office.

"This is an important agreement which represents my administration's commitment to respecting the collective bargaining and negotiation process, while also ensuring those in the care of these homes are receiving the services they need," Lamont said in the release.

"This agreement is a positive step forward for the workers as they will receive pay increases and more support. I thank SEIU and the industry leaders for working collaboratively with our administration to reach this agreement."

The funding agreement for group home workers at Oak Hill, Whole Life, Network, Sunrise, Journey Found, and Mosaic is the second major settlement for long-term health care workers in the state in the past month, the union said in a news release.

Union President Rob Baril said the union has made significant strides.

"We believe this additional funding will resolve the open contracts. We have made substantial progress towards our goals for a $20 minimum wage, with major progress on retirement and other benefits," Baril said. "This is a great victory for racial and economic justice for the majority of Black and Latina women who make up this workforce of caregivers. All strike notices have been immediately withdrawn."

For updates on East Windsor, Windsor, and Windsor Locks, follow Joe Chaisson on Twitter: @TheJoeyChaisson, Facebook: Joe Chaisson, and Instagram: @JIJoeChaisson.

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