Connecticut Senate Bill SR00010

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/28/19
• Refer: 2/15/19
• Report Pass: 2/15/19

Caption

Resolution Proposing Approval Of A Collective Bargaining Agreement Between The Division Of Public Defender Services And The Public Defender Attorneys And Supervising Attorneys, Local 381, Afscme Council 4, Afl-cio.

Impact

The collective bargaining agreement proposed in SR00010 aims to enhance the working conditions and rights of public defenders, which could significantly impact the delivery of legal services within the state. By formalizing agreements on various employment issues, the state seeks to ensure that public defenders are adequately compensated and can perform their duties effectively, which may improve the overall quality of legal representation for individuals requiring defense services. This could also set a precedent for future agreements with other public sector unions, potentially influencing labor relations across similar state services.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 10 seeks the approval of a collective bargaining agreement between the Division of Public Defender Services and the Public Defender Attorneys and Supervising Attorneys represented by AFSCME Council 4, AFL-CIO. The agreement is set to cover a period from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2021. This resolution emphasizes the state’s commitment to recognizing and formalizing the negotiation outcomes relating to wage agreements, work conditions, and other employment-related matters for public defenders in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR00010 appears to be supportive, particularly from union representatives and legislators who advocate for improved compensation and working conditions for public defenders. The resolution was passed with a majority vote of 20 yeas to 13 nays, indicating general approval among senators, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the importance of fair labor practices within the public defender system. However, the presence of dissenting votes suggests some contention about budgetary implications or differing priorities in public sector negotiations.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SR00010 may include discussions on financial constraints related to state budgets and the prioritization of resources for public defense services. Questions could arise about how the agreement aligns with overall state financial health and whether it may impact funding for other essential services. Furthermore, the negotiation terms related to salaries and benefits could be contentious among legislators who might have differing views on the appropriate levels of compensation for public employees.