SEN. CABRERA JOINS BIBARTISAN VOTE TO APPROVE NEW LABOR UNION CONTRACT FOR 3,720 SERVICE & MAINTENANCE WORKERS

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today joined a bipartisan and nearly unanimous vote that gave final approval to a new labor union contract that provides a 2.5% raise and other negotiated benefits to 3,720 maintenance workers, repair technicians, and cleaning and cooking staff working at state parks, hospitals, roads, and universities.

“These are the working-class jobs that keep Connecticut running. About a quarter of these folks – 800 people – are the lowest-paid state employees in Connecticut. Now they’ll have an easier time keeping their own homes and their families up and running,” Sen. Cabrera said. “I’m happy to vote to support middle-class union workers, and I’m happy to see some of my Republican Senate colleagues finally vote to support middle-class union workers, too.”

The new contract covers about 3,600 service/maintenance workers represented by CEUI/SEIU Local 511 and provides 2.5% annual raises and step increases for the first three years, with a wage re-opener for the fourth year, aiming to boost pay for the state’s lowest-paid employees. The contract also includes a $2,000 one-time payment for specific, eligible employees, such as newly added Protective Service Employees.