The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) announced today that public service workers voted by a 3 to 1 margin in favor of the agreement that was negotiated between SEBAC and the Rell Administration.

Lead union negotiator Dan Livingston said that the public service workers, by working with the Administration in good faith, made a major contribution toward solving the state’s budget crisis. "As in any negotiation, both sides had to give a little in order to reach an agreement that was fair and that would win the support of the working families who comprise SEBAC’s membership," he said. "This was not an easy process, but our members saw the need to protect public services for the people of this state and wanted to be part of the solution. At the same time, we hope we've provided an example so that others who can really afford to help -- Connecticut's wealthiest residents, and its largest corporations -- will come forward and do their part as well."

By supporting the agreement, public service workers will save the state three quarters of a billion dollars over the next two years. "In order to reach the level of savings the Governor requested, we had to agree to wage freezes, furlough days and changes to our health care plans," said Patrice Petersen who works as a school teacher for the Department of Developmental Services. "While it was not an easy decision to make, I feel a responsibility to the people I serve to make sure that the services they rely on remain in place."

"I know that we are doing the right thing," said Steve Rief, a state trooper in the Department of Public Safety. "We've been called upon to do our part and we’ve stepped up with very specific – and significant – savings for Connecticut. I am proud of the statement that my colleagues have made by passing this agreement so decisively."

The thirteen SEBAC unions, with a total of 50,000 individual workers, have been voting over the past two weeks, each following their individual voting procedures. On Friday morning, the official vote tallies became available, showing the vast majority of unionized state workers supporting the agreement.

The SEBAC agreement next goes the Connecticut Legislature for a vote.

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