Connecticut House Bill HB05809

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11

Caption

An Act Creating Parity Between State And Private Wages And Salaries.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5809 would affect all state employees and officials who are exempt from classified service, as well as those covered by collective bargaining agreements that are negotiated or renewed post-enactment. This bill could potentially reduce the overall wage expenses of the state government during this two-year period, aiming to alleviate fiscal pressures. Additionally, it may provoke discussions surrounding labor relations and compensation structures within state employment, especially among those negatively impacted by the elimination of salary increases and the reduction in pay.

Summary

House Bill 5809 aims to establish wage parity between state and private sector employees in Connecticut. The bill proposes several significant changes including the elimination of scheduled salary increases and cost-of-living adjustments for a period of two years, as well as the removal of longevity payments. Notably, it includes a provision to reduce the compensation of state agency commissioners and deputy commissioners by ten percent for the same duration. This legislation reflects an effort to align state compensation more closely with private sector standards, particularly in light of budgetary constraints faced by the state.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HB 5809 revolves around the perceived fairness of cutting wages and salary increases for state employees. Supporters argue that given the financial challenges the state is facing, such measures are necessary to ensure fiscal responsibility and to create a more unified wage structure. Conversely, opponents contend that such reductions disproportionately impact committed public employees who rely on these increases to keep pace with inflation and living costs. The drastic nature of the bill could incite pushback from labor unions and public employee groups advocating for fair compensation against the backdrop of rising costs of living.