Connecticut House Bill HB05960

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Public Employee Unions From Bargaining Over Certain Issues.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5960 would provide greater flexibility to state officials, including the Governor and department heads, to adjust the state workforce according to the specific missions of various agencies. Proponents of the bill argue that this flexibility is essential for aligning workforce management with budgetary constraints and performance objectives. The ability to manage layoffs without union negotiation could expedite staffing decisions that reflect the immediate needs of state agencies, potentially improving efficiency in state operations.

Summary

House Bill 5960 aims to amend state statutes in a manner that would prohibit public employee unions from negotiating certain critical issues. Specifically, the bill seeks to restrict unions from bargaining over the state's ability to lay off employees and the waiver of fully funded pension benefits. This legislative change introduces a significant shift in the collective bargaining landscape for public employees in the state, with implications for how state agencies manage their workforce and financial commitments.

Contention

However, the proposed legislation is likely to stir significant debate among stakeholders. Opponents of the bill might argue that limiting the bargaining rights of public employee unions undermines workers' rights and protections, particularly in terms of job security and pension benefits. Critics may raise concerns that the inability to negotiate these issues could lead to increased job insecurity among public employees and jeopardize their financial stability in retirement. This tension between workforce flexibility and employee rights will be a focal point of contention as the bill advances through the legislative process.