Gov. Dannel P. Malloy sent a pointed message to unionized state employees Thursday, warning that a failure to ratify a tentative agreement for labor savings would lead to thousands more than his previously threatened layoffs, reaching senior employees.
"We're talking about a dramatic reshaping of state government with thousands more than 4,700 employees losing their jobs. It's a major restructuring," Malloy said during a wide-ranging press conference at the Capitol.
Malloy's comments came as dozens of bargaining units in 15 unions are considering ratifying a two-year, $1.6 billion package of concessions and other labor savings recommended by their union leadership.
The governor said he reads comments posted online by some employees who speculate that a failure to ratify would prompt an "ERIP," an early retirement incentive plan."
"Let me be very, very, very clear. There will be no ERIP. I've seen the comments. I've made it clear. I've made it clear as a candidate. I've made it clear since I became governor," Malloy said. "I'm not going to pay people to retire and further burden a pension system which as of the last Pew analysis was 42 percent funded."
The governor's comments parallel those of the union coalition, the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, to their members, but Malloy said he has not been asked by labor leaders to reinforce their message. Malloy said layoffs would reach employees with more than 10 years experience, as he would eliminate entire agencies.
Matt O'Connor, a spokesman for the union coalition, said labor leaders are combating several misperceptions, including a belief that a rejection of the deal would lead to further negotiations or retirement incentives.
Those are not options for Malloy, who has promised to quickly cut labor expenses as he approaches July 1, the start of the new fiscal year, O'Connor said. The ratification process will continue until June 24, he said.
"You'll have a governor who is out of time, out of patience and out of options," O'Connor said. "He'll use whatever tools are in his arsenal, and there aren't many of them."
"We're making sure our members understand that," O'Connor said.
The unions released a statement Thursday afternoon addressing what O'Connor called a misinformation campaign about the concessions and savings deal:
"Let's all be honest with each other; there are outside forces who would love to see our tentative agreement fail and who would welcome the chaos that will ensue from thousands of layoffs and destructive cuts to public services. We cannot allow that to happen."
Nearly 13 percent of the total $1.6 billion biennial savings is tied to language in the deal that would press all employees and retirees to join a Value-Based Health Care Plan. In this program, workers would commit to have regular physicals and other key health screenings. Those who don't participate would face a $100 per month premium increase and a $350 per person deductible.
O'Connor said the new health program is not a concession for those who participate.
"That's huge," O'Connor said. "In this political and economic environment, to have the ability to say one's health care coverage has been maintained is enormous. Those who opt out, they are going to pay more. That's their choice."
Malloy, who has been roundly criticized by Republicans for not obtaining deeper concessions, said the health changes can benefit the state and the employees.
"Whoever is trying to convince state employees that their medical plan is being radically changed must have other motives," Malloy said. "I would hope that the unions themselves will do a good job communicating that fact."
If the administration returns to layoffs, the governor said they could be ordered relatively swiftly, given that his staff had planned for that contingency before the tentative concession deal was announced on May 13.
"It has not gathered much dust in the intervening weeks," he said.
But even if employee unions, which are expected to finish voting by mid-June, reject the package, the one-month lag between announcement and rejection could cause fiscal problems for Malloy, even if his administration is ready logistically to order layoffs as an alternative.
The governor has estimated state government could save roughly $100 million annually for every 1,000 workers laid off. And when his office issued 4,700 layoff notices in early May--most of those notices being recalled after the tentative deal was struck--the administration projected a $450 million savings for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Malloy is counting on $700 million in savings next fiscal year from the concession deal.
If he intends to plug some or all of that gap with layoffs, he likely could not count on the same ratio of $100 million saved for every 1,000 jobs eliminated.
According to the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research, several factors typically cut into layoff savings in the first year, and one of those is the notice that must be given. The warning period varies based on each bargaining unit's contract, but it ranges from two to eight weeks.
Given the high end of that scale, and that the first round of pink slips was recalled, state government already could be into the new fiscal year--and already paying salaries to workers targeted for layoffs--before jobs could be eliminated.
Carrying the layoffs into the new fiscal year also would obligate the administration to make pension fund contributions to reflect those positions that were funded on July 1. Pension fund contributions are fixed for the year based on an actuarial study prepared the prior fall.
Former Gov. M. Jodi Rell's calculated last November that had the administration laid off 5,000 workers--roughly 1/10th of the work force-in lieu of the concession deal struck with unions in May 2009, the savings in the 2009-10 fiscal year would have been just under $300 million.
Do you need these employees or don't you? It is obvious that the governor is using the state employees as a politcal pawns. If you don't need the employees lay them off and pay the consequences. If you need the employees, stop using them. The citizens of the State are being rooked.gT
Outside agitators (think about the Koch brothers and what they did/are doing in Wisconsin) are clearly at work riling up state workers to believe that the concession agreement is some sort of pinko, commie, socialist plot.
These outside interests are opposed to any sort of improvements in the U.S.'s current tragically expensive and dysfunctional health-delivery system (wherein masses of Americans have no health insurance whatsoever).
State workers shouldn't be duped by this cynical campaign.
Also, these sorts of changes to health-care are being done throughout the nation. It is NOT a cynical and diabolic cabal
Read MorePlease reject the agreement.
Guarenteed employment for 2 years followed by 9% increase over the next 3 years. What is given up; a token for health care expenses. Let the Governor cut acutal expenditures; salaries and benefits and not "wage freezes". If the union cannot inform its members then take the consequences.
As a fellow state employee and tax payer, even if this concession deal was gold, I would not vote for it... How dare Mr. Malloy threaten us again and put this heavy burden on the backs of state workers!! Myself along with many are being ridiculed just because we are state employees. We have a bullseye on our backs. How dare Mr. Malloy use us as political pawns. Enough is enough!! Another CT native leaving this state. Democracy...yeah right.
Desperate. They can't fully explain the deal, but are good at explaining what it is not. They see people starting to "get it", and now know that they overreached by touching pension and healthcare for existing employees, so they have resorted to fear tactics.
State employees have seen this before. They are part of a solution, not the problem. They are your neighbors, friends and family. They are part of your community and churches. They provide vital services everyday.
Bullying will only stregthen thier resolve.
Atta, Dan Malloy is my prodigal boy. Now, after courting, seeking full support, and winning the election by a hair's-breadth, he is turning against his own benefactors by resorting to blackmail, bullying, and arms-twisting tactics, to ultimately convert this into a socialist and communist state. Now, why can't he add that employee unions in this state government service will be banned for ever? What is he? A kind of machiavellian career politician?
If you are an older Tier II state employee, this is a terrible deal for you. There is nothing in this deal for you. All this will do is slow down the numbers you need to retire with dignity, meaning, you will end up delaying your retirement for a smaller pension. The only good thing about Tier II, that it was free, and soon you'll have to pay in to it to support the Tier I retirees. If the concessions of '11 pass, I predict the concessions of '15. If you add up all the concessions together, it does a
Read MoreMalloy says "I'm not going to pay people to retire and further burden a pension system which as of the last Pew analysis was 42 percent funded". Just how does he think it got that way? Not because employees were retiring and drawing on those funds. Its because the governors office has been raiding the fund and not paying it back for years. Now, under this new agreement, state employees have to repay what the state borrowed or just didn't put into the fund as there were required to. Can I do the same thing? If I tell the bank
Read MoreANYONE who votes "NO" to the SEBAC deal must be a complete and total MORON.
The health insurance modifications are NEGLIGIBLE from the individual employee's perspective but VERY significant from the State's perspective - so GO FOR IT you idiots!
And no, the deficit is NOT being placed squarely "on the backs" of state employees - taxes on upper-income earners are being RAISED, remember?
You guys want to slit your own throats - hey go ahead, be my guest! It's no skin off of MY back either way. But you'd have to be a bunch of suicidal maniacs to do
Read MoreFellow co-workers don't be fooled by the lies. The union is selling us out !!! If anyone went to last night meeting you know what I am talking about. I was there and the union avoided a majority of the questions, they could not give us a straight answer too. They must really think we are stupid !!! The state is saying one thing and the union another. Listen the union doesn't want to see people laid off because they want those union dues. . We are paying their salary's think of all the money they
Read MoreFrom the voting public’s point of view, what would happen if the agreement failed? Dan Malloy is a “Fairfield County Democrat”. What type of retribution can be expected and what can the GA be expected to support of such retribution? The private sector employees are hurting, jobs being shifted overseas (The Hartford, Aetna), no raises, no bonuses, benefit cuts and 20/80 health insurance (indemnity plans) with little opportunity to be reemployed with the same pay and benefits. There is no sign of abatement in this trend to cut costs. Considering all this, why would the voting public not support taking
Read MoreHow dare the minions question me. Don't they know I demand that things be done fast; so that no one really has time to figure out what I'm really up to, says Comrade Malloy.
So typical of a dyed-in-the-wool liberal/socialist. Yell, screem and threaten in an effort to get your way. Comrade Malloy has already imposed the largest tax increase in the history of Connecticut. Of course, to hear him tell it he had no choice. No cuts in spending. No cuts in welfare programs. Reduce the homeowner tax credit to fund a tax give away to those who will
The budget spend 900 million more. The budget just puts off raises. The size of government is still the same. The pensions have not been converted to 401k's. Overtime is still included in a pension calc. People can still retire before 60. Step increases will remain. Officials still have there cars and drivers. Malloy wants to build a boondogle of a busway and build a health center without seeing if any companies might even be interested in joining this research area. And of course the Dodd 100 million earmark went to Ohio a voting swing state. Malloy is
Read MoreAn old saying, "Only the best are bullied."
They are dealing cards of desperation because the "agreement" can't stand on its own.
Do not be bullied out of your common sense by the specialist; two to one, he is a pedant. -Oliver Wendell Holmes
VOTE NO!!!
I didn't write this, but found it on a blog that is to the point, and just added to it:
FYI: This is from the SustiNet bill currently in the Legislature, H.B. 6305, with some comments intertwined. Some of the almost identical language appears in agreement. If you can read, then you know what we're getting, regardless how many times they say it's NOT SustiNet. If we vote yes, then they can replace it with any value added plan.
What happened to open enrollment? Why if this isn't SustiNet, why
Read MoreHealth insurance changes are far from negligible. Malloy and his cronies (including the union traitors Luciano and Livingston who sold us out) say its the same thing but if you read the documentation its the first step towards socialized medicine for all.
Right from the Sustinet plan -
"by enrolling a large number of
consumers, SustiNet will gain the leverage it needs to
reform health care delivery and payment"
So, they plan to use the current state employees, all the retirees and all the welfare and medicaid enrollment to get a large (captive) market share, then for the rest of
I agree with SteveHC!! Extending the SEBAC agreement 5 years is helping all workers. If this doesn't pass expect a letter in 2017 saying that your retirement healthcare is broke and you must start paying!This agreement starts to pay now for our own healthcare when we retire, do you think it will always be there for free if we don't help ourselves??
Average state worker makes $ 65,000, which includes all state workers, professors, doctors, etc..
In 2009, state employees agreed to GIVE BACK 7 furlough days, pay $ 350 more for health insurance a year, 2 years of no raises. In return, we were going to be given a 2.5 % pay raise on July 1, 2011.
On the $ 65,000 average salary, these givebacks cost the worker $ 1750 for the furloughs and $ 350 more a year for 3 years for the health insurance, which is $ 2800. This does not include the copayments
I am a union dues paying and tax paying state employee with 26-years of dedicated service. I have witnessed 5 early retirements come and go, and been stuck with lots of extra job duties each time, for months at a time, trying to make up the work for the folks who left. I was never convinced that there could be any savings in those "deals," and I didn't need to be a high-paid actuary to figure it out. I am having a real hard time trying to figure out why, in 2008, I received 38 pieces
Read MoreStevehC you must be one of the union leaders selling this plan are you for real. YOu must be able to pay for your own health care. Government control.
So are you dan,larry, bob or sal?? Are unions forgot who pays their salaries?? Isnt it telling when you cant comment on your own union site?? Comments closed it said.
Governor Malloy you are a big bully!!!! YOu have been threatening us for months unbelievable. Good thing you dont run a company it would not last long threatening people that did absolutely nothing but go to work for the
Read MoreYou Go NO's!!!
Black Eyed Peas, Mary J Blige, and John Legend perform “Power to the People.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUbvYMweQy0
or if you prefer John Lennon’s original…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppCt-ZwEN1s
I did do the math....65,000 with INS. is better that unemployment!
12% raise in five years is better than 0's through arbitration
Extending Sebac to 2022 and securing our heathcare is much better than losing it all in 2017, even for our retired workers!
I keep my Blue Cross, but I must get a physical every year(for free) just like I do now
If I think extending my retirement 3 three years is bad now maybe I should wait until 2017 and have them extend it to age 67 or worse,no retirement.
Everwhere I read unions are being shut out,
Read MoreThe medical and pension liabilities will cause the state to go insolvent. Yet state employees still talk of retiring at 55, erip's and free medical in retirement. Do any state employees have any finance knowledge? In order to get paid a pension or medical benefits someone needs to put money into the fund so you can get it out. There is 9% unemployment and the comsumer is broke. State employees need to wake up. If you want to retire start saving your money. The pension fund will not be there.
of course you agree with steve concerned citizen because you have no idea what you are talking about. You should be concerned but not with state employees but with the Governor and the legislature pushing bills through like no tomorrow because the democrats are the majority big mistake by all of us. Should have been a balance. YOu should be concerned to know the truth. We have been censored from our own union site that we pay dues to that should concern you and the Governor coming on the news again to bully state workers. This is a democracy right?
Read Moreoh yea larry we are so broke the Goveror just pushed through one billion for uconn. oh ya yesterday their is more revenue than expected oh yea just found 100 million in the healthcare fund. PRiceless you are Larry whoever you are you work for the union or the Governor?
tell that to the person making 30,000
hmmmm.... seems like Steve HC's buddy "Helen" has changed his/her name to "concerned resident"...
shenanigans!!
public are you seriously believing what they are telling you about money??? how do you believe liars??? if there is no money than what is all the spending going on?Rich get richer as always. This is about politicans abusing money of the taxpayers period. There is absolutely no cost savings in this health care plan research yourselve. all the states that have it show no cost savings so why would this be even used??? Socialist agenda
Let the layoffs begin.. . . And I may be one of them, but this offer stinks. We already are in an agreement that we just set a couple of years ago that they want to break. I am willing to take the chance rather then give everything that we have fought for as a union for years. This agreement sucks and has NOTHING in it for us. No layoffs, big deal! Malloy will just abolish departments. Nothing stops him from doing that. He is a JOKE. I am
Read MoreWe can complain all day about what's right or wrong but this is the deal at the table....if this doesn't go through the new people paying for the retired workers benifits will be laid off....That's a great plan, vote no and start your own 401...you'll going to need it!
Josephine, you're right - YOU are not anyone ELSE'S enemy. You're your OWN enemy.
And no, I'm NOT affiliated with any union leadership, SEBAC leadership, political leadership, or any such thing.
I just hate to see hard-working State employees SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT by blindly voting "NO" to ANYTHING simply because they're acting like they're paranoid about EVERYONE and EVERYTHING.
As far as the healthcare modifications go - folks, they really ARE miniscule. FORGET about "SustiNet." That's got nothing to do with it. And as far as this business of people posting proposed bills regarding "SustiNet" and God-knows what
Read MoreI was under the impression the State was in a serious fiscal mess. Please review the letter from the comptroller to Gov Malloy reporting a healthy fiscal picture.
http://www.osc.ct.gov/reports/monthly/2011/apr11/LetJune1.pdf
Interesting that income tax is apx4x greater than corporate tax even the
Death tax exceeds corporate tax!
I am with you. Let the layoffs begin. Also why is the unions waiting so long for us to vote. Doesn't the fiscal year end July. Why haven't we received anything about open enrollment and what is going to be offered??? I am sick of the state bullying state workers around. Fellow co-workers we should look into getting an attorney to investigate the union starting with Sal. How can he be on the board that is definetley a conflict of interest.? Let's stick together on this, isn't that what unions are all about.
Read MoreTo DOT blogger above: Thank you for revealing this information. I found it very interesting, and I appreciate the thought and effort you put into this informative entry.
To SteveHC: My psychology professor at CT COllege used to say, "Criticism is an autobiography."
Quote - "These legislative bill proposals that some people have been posting online while trying to IMPLY that they somehow have ANY real implication - negative or otherwise - for State employees is just NONSENSE. Anything that's really GENUINE regarding SustiNet - 99.99% of it has NOTHING to do with State employees"
Funny thing about these bills is that theres a lots of "contingent on approval from SEBAC" lines in them. I don't see how that can be understood to have no implications for state employees. For that matter, HB6305 says
(17) "SustiNet Plan" or "plan", unless the context otherwise
Well……..I have a high school diploma. I am a State employee. I make a very generous wage. I have very generous health insurance benefits. I have a very generous pension. I get paid sick leave. Three Personal Leave days where I get a days pay for not going to work that day (just because I don’t feel like working). I receive longevity checks (just because I didn’t quit or die this year). Multiple sick days can be built up. Multiple vacation days can be saved and added to my retirement. I get numerous holidays every year. I get paid funeral
Read Moreok steve if there is no money what is one billion to uconn exactly for?
you got to be kidding me helen oh bob excessive breaks on duty your priceless this is the best you can do ???? Bob who takes excessive breaks and all the other crap you are feeding the public how about answering the questions ????What about the sustinet bill that last paragraph about state employees? What about censoring on the Inthistogether site sebac site not allowed any questions comments closed? Why all the secrecy when negotiating ??? WHere was the union fighting back about the lies you are printing right now anything in the newspaper or is all i see
Read MoreThis "protected class" of state employees with no agreement will no longer be protected from the issues being wrought from this economy. Look at your neighbors, friends and relatives. Unemployment with no insurance for their families, underemployment, foreclosure proceedings, losing their home, children withdrawing from college because it is no longer affordable etc. As the economy worsens (borrowed money and any "projected revenues" will be seen as folly) the people that hold the levers of power will have to change things by statute and last I checked, from state to state, unions are losing and losing much more than anyone
Read MoreJosephine the state is broke and spending a billion dollars on uconn, the bus way etc will only make it worse. When the pension fund goes insolvent you and the other state employees will be to blame. You will complain that you had a contact and that you should get your money.But the state will not be able to pay you money it does not have. You are the union. You backed Malloy. You are getting what you deserve.
Here's what you do to get through to the "entitled" state workers-
ELIMINATE SENIORITY PROTECTIONS!
Miraculously you would then see reasonable outcomes. Everyone then shares equal skin on the table. Also, let corrections and the poopers know they will be layed off and replaced. No one is indespensible. Pain must be felt and distributed equally.
SEBAC is censoring their own website by cutting off opposition comments to this "Agreement" and subsequently ALL comments as just about all of them are in opposition. They even had their own "Plants" posing as state employees in favor of the agreement until they were identified as such. When will the transparency with this SHAM of an agreement begin?????
I thought there was a law against threatening violence... of any kind... in the workplace. As a state employee, isn't Malloy threatening others? Why is this law not being executed here? Malloy should lose his job, just as an employee at my agency did for threatening to do something to someone's car!
Glad to hear "Helen" tell it like it is for us state employees. And I still wonder why the private sector submits to the corporate and political (gov't) agenda of keeping them poor, with poor health care, no good retirement funding, and
Read MoreVote YES for the concessions, I am.
As a state employee I am not thrilled with giving up any concessions but the reality is that what we are being asked for is pretty reasonable and a far cry from the $22K/per employee number that was being thrown about just a month ago.
Is it perfect? No, but it is impossible to craft a perfect package which makes 45,000 people happy while saving costs.
I have no doubt that Gov. Malloy will go through with the layoffs if we don't vote for the concessions. I also have no doubt
Read MoreI am guessing that SteveHC is a union president and was indeed in the room representing us for SEBAC. He is strongly pushing a YES vote and appears to have a wealth of inside information that STATE employees are lacking. Let's face it.....nobody, with the exception of a STATE employee, gives a flying fish about the health and welfare of a STATE employee. Everyone hates us, we have jobs, nice benefits, and a retirement plan. Now.....when the economy was good and bonuses were booming, nobody gave a flying fish about STATE employees either, as we were nothing more than the
Read MorePeople should think long and hard before voting "no" to this agreement. Why are so many NON-state employees so angry with this agreement? Because it is a gift! A no vote will put retiree healthcare and pensions in jeopardy. These things are no longer sustainable. I hope all of you "no" voters are rich, because without social security (that fund is just about dried up too), a pension and healthcare, things will be very grim for retirees! A NO VOTE TO THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE LIKE BOARDING A PLANE YOU KNOW IS GOING TO
Read More• SEBAC 2011 Tentative Agreement Q & A
• Job Security
Q: I've heard that the agreement provides full job security for current non-temporary
employees. I’ve also heard it doesn’t prevent programmatic changes or closures. Which is it?
A: It's both. No agreement can prevent the governor or the legislature from
making changes in government programs. Our agreement means a current
employee covered by job security protection can’t be laid off, so in the case of
those changes, a comparable position must be found or the employee must be
paid comparably until one is found.
Helen just made a tactical error in her posting SEBAC 2011 Tentative. Notice in the midst of the answer part in regards to prescription drugs she states "For internal SEBAC use only" I have taken the liberty of pasting it below. One should really proofread before one posts...
• Prescription Drugs
Q: My local pharmacy says I'll no longer be able to fill my prescriptions there if the SEBAC
tentative agreement passes. Is that true?
A: Only partly. There is a new mandatory mail-order prescription program, but it
affects only "maintenance medications"
"For internal SEBAC use" is mentioned several times in Helen's posting. I have again taken the liberty to paste those other instances below... If she's not a member of SEBAC...
Q: If I don’t comply with the Health Enhancement Program, how will that affect me?
A: If you choose not to join the Health Enhancement Program, you will pay an
additional $100 per month premium share, and $350 per person per year
deductible. If you have family coverage, the maximum is $1,400. If you join the
Health Enhancement Program but then refuse to comply with its requirements
after due
Reply to Michael in west: Get your facts straight!! It is 4 years(not 2) of guarenteed employment plus all raises & longevity & lump sums on time after the 2 year freeze. The consequences of not ratifying the agreement are serious.(over 5000 layoffs!) The health care changes are not as bad as many say they are. It is not sustinet! It is a value based health care system which penalizes those members that do not get their reccomended checkups and/or those who refuse treatment for the major 5 medical conditions. Many fortune 500 companies have already switched to this system.
Read More"Submitted by WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot on Fri, 06/03/2011 - 10:52am.
SEBAC is censoring their own website... They even had their own "Plants" posing as state employees in favor of the agreement until they were identified as such. When will the transparency with this SHAM of an agreement begin?????"
- What a load of malarkey.
"Josephine" - Say what you will, no one really cares anymore. Like I said before, you're fully free to figuratively slit your own throat by voting against the agreement if you wish; it just goes to demonstrate how SOME "state employees" (if you really ARE one) can't even
Read MoreThe logic behind yes votes are all based in fear, ignoring fact. They are proposing a yes vote to deter some future negative event or threat. If you read the facts of the proposal, this deal is an embarrassment to State Employees. Your being played. You deserve better for the important services you provide.
If you succumb to a bully, they own you. Now, I will predict the future, vote yes and they will be back multiple times before 2022. You can count on it. If you react in fear, they have no reason to stop.
Vote no and there
Read More"HardworkingStat" - I don't know "Helen," but I CAN tell you that her posting a listing of agreement-related "FAQ's" (that's all they really are) that happened to say "For internal SEBAC use only" doesn't really mean ANYTHING.
The unions are trying as quickly as possible to get info out to their members; VERY often they consequently start drafting lists of info and then just start making copies for rapid distribution without even taking the time to "clean up" the copy by eliminating phrases like "For internal SEBAC use" or whatever.
It means NOTHING. As long as content was reviewed by
Read MoreReally, guys, you're not fooling anyone.... and if you want to pretend to be state union employees, it's time to create new personas other than posting as Helen and Steve HC...
Well, as they say in politics...Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts...absolutely!
There is no way...no way that if Tom Foley was elected, would he have the audacity to come after state employees so drastically. But, because Dannell is a dem...and both houses...senatora and reps, are democratically controlled, the fair haired boy may get what he wants. If we has a Republican governor, the concessions wouldn't be half as bad as they are. The Dems who support the governor...well, you all enjoy your last term...b/c you all are gonna be bounced out of office.
Tell us all...what, pray tell, are you
LOL! For Internal SEBAC Use Only!
For all the conspiracy theorist's out there. The info I posted is on the inthistogether web site for all to see.
Duh! http://inthistogetherct.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/SEBAC-11-TNT-AGRM...
For those extra parinoid folks see this: http://inthistogetherct.org/2011/06/help-set-the-record-straight-on-the-...
LOL! For Internal SEBAC Use Only!
Helen
When you finish laughing please realize that if SEBAC claims no knowledge of how anyone would think State Employees would be on the SustiNet plan ....then they are really out of touch with reality. There are no conspiracies, but there are State Documents and plans. Take a look at Ct.gov websites at the documents. If you do so right now...you will see that the SustiNet plan is not dead. In fact it is very much alive according to this facebook site ...there's a rally Saturday in hartford.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Connecticut-Center-for-a-New-Economy/27935807063?sk=info#!/pages/Connecticut-Center-for-a-New-Economy/27935807063?sk=wall
here's a quote from the FB page
Connecticut Center for
LOL Part 2.
Nancy Wyman sent State Workers a letter today stating the reality of the situation. Here it is:
Dear Fellow State Employee:
Whether an employee chooses to support or oppose the pending SEBAC agreement is an individual decision, but it should be a decision based on correct and factual information. That is why I write to provide you with some facts and resources that may assist you in making that personal decision in the days ahead.
I first want to address an e-mail you may have received recently from someone claiming to be a state employee that
Read MoreI have a question...Why would Lt. Governor Wyman put in writing that our proposed insurance change is NOT Sustinet if it really is going to be Sustinet? Don't you think an immediate lawsuit would happen if in fact Sustinet was put in place? You have the 2nd in charge putting this in writing people, you have SEBAC who negotiated this TA putting it in writing that it is NOT Sustinet...these people are not that stupid to put something in writing and then turn around and do the exact opposite of what they put in writing. C'mon people,
Read MoreAs a taxpayer and state employee, I see both sides to the concessions. For the most part, the deal isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I don't like . I think wage freeze/then increase is not bad at all given the terrible economy right now. I haven't seen it posted here, but here's the real math on wages. We'll get 3% COLAS AND we get steps. The average step is about 2.5%. So let's do the math, factoring in COLA's, plus steps, minus the new retiree health contributions we would
Read MoreThe part of the agreement most objectionable to many is where for the sake of the Tier 1 and HD member's, the unions throw the Tier 2 and Tier2A members under the bus...they keep their retiement age and package intact while the others are pushed back three year in retirement age. The agreement offers some the ability to "buy back" the retirement age our union wants to give away...but the don't, can't or will not tell us the cost of this buy back (I've asked the union for this info on many occasioins). There are several points in
Read MoreIm still waiting for two raises to take effect from concessions from 2 years ago. You waited to announce the Health Center money until you got a deal from the sebac negotiators. So now you want state employees to give back 1.6 Billion so you can spend money on a busway, the Health Center and now Route 11. Wheres the spending cuts? If you aren't going to honor the concession agreement from 2009 in the proper order, why do I trust you for 2013? And if you are going to give me 10+% raises
Read Morepriceless steveh and helen and whatever you are not fooling anyone. You are all a bunch of bullies and should be removed from leadership in the unions.There is an agreement until 2017 people and they want you to break it to get placed into sustinet read the bill they need collective bargaining to agree. They wrote the bill not us. Go on the website for sustinet and read all 242 pages and you will be amazed. REally the union is suppose to be for the worker not themselves and The Governor. Nancy Wyman coming to union meetings isnt that
Read MoreTaxpayer 777....imagine subtracting 3% from the calculations you did in figuring your extra cost...you'd get 0, -3, 2, 0, -0.5 ...if it's less of a contribution I guess we're supposed to be happy about it.
.wanttoseethewho...The Agreement states you can keep the normal retirement age by paying that "undetermined fee"...but what if they change the Agreement in 2022? What if you pay in for those extra years and they then transfer your retirement to a 401k type plan? Or put everyone on the new tier 3 plan? Not honor the previous Agreeement and raise the age!
IMO...we need
VOTE YES !!! Some of you really need to wake up and smell the coffee!! Are you kidding me?? I suggest you think long and hard before you vote no. This agreement is not bad at all. If voted down and this goes to arbitration down the road, do you honestly think it is going to be much better?? This is a bad economy. Take a long around ....ask your friends, neighbors, relatives who do not work for the State what things are like out there ... Ask what they
Read MoreYou better vote NO. Get your raises now and save your money. The pension plan is going insolvent. I would be afraid if I were you that after working many years you will get nothing.
Fear is a great motivator. It drives us to over react throughout our lives.
They know it and they are playing it. You will never make prudent decisions if based in fear.
The healthcare section is at a minnimum undefined and suspect, any colas are on the back end of the agreement putting them in jeopardy in a likely re- opener. The 3% co-pay for ins is excessive, how they can propose to extend retirement age for vested employees is unconscionably.
They are underestimating career state employees.
Use reason, kill this insult and know that you stood out
Read MoreENOUGH WITH THE SUSTINET ALREADY!!!! IT IS NOT TRUE !!!!!!! THEY'VE SAID IT OVER AND OVER. MOVE ON ....
IF SOMEONE TOLD YOU TO JUMP OFF A BRIDGE, ARE YOU GOING TO DO THAT TOO??
Malloy should layoff all the people without a college degree, i bet he could easily balance the budget by doing so. State employees are over paid and under educated. They are the most ignorant and selfish people in the state. My heart goes out for the intelligent ones which are only few. Having a state job and its benefits is not an entitlement to you,regardless that you may be paying union dues, its a gift. Malloy need to get rid of the unions for the sake of the "NO" voters and do his thing, then you all will learn to
Read MoreFrom Valrie "A tornado can wipe us all out tomorrow, why worry about pension/retirement..."
Well Val takes the discussion to an all time low. Now they are suggesting a pending tornado is good reason to be throw out your pension. Good grief. I hope I don't get struck by lightning today. Maybe I should rent a vw bus, sell all material posessions and become a monk.
Vote No -
...Vals education level?
Dannel, you lied. I voted for you and I'm so sorry. At least the republican Foley was up front and told us he was coming for us and our health care etc... You should be ashamed of yourself. I have been a state employee for 11 years and will vote NO... LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY... We as employees are not even privy to what exactly is in the tentative agreement... only a fool would vote yes...
gess hour sncoe ploww opuraturs shud git dugrees in mukanikul ejunearring ....du yu needz a dugree to cleen up aftur a turnaado?
get with it Valrie...many of us are overeducated relative to the jobs we perform!
You might be amazed to know that I was able to read the agreement, understand it, and came to the conclusion, based on the information provided in writing, that I'll be voting NO!
State employee: You are incorrect. The tentative agreement is easily available to all on many websites now.
Here it is from the SEBAC site. This is the fullest and most updated version, signed by Livingston and Ojakian on May 27th.:
http://inthistogetherct.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/DEL_SEBAC_05_27_1...
(I'm a state employee in tier 2. I'm voting yes; this is a good deal for state workers. If you look at what's happening across the country, you will see that is a far better deal than what's happening in other states. It's not perfect, and we will feel some pain. But
Read MoreTo an advocate for... i did read the tentative agreement info posted. the problem with it is that it is not detailed enough related to the health insurance aspect. I am not opposed to paying the 3%, or pay freeze etc. I came to this job for the health care and pension benefits... The thought of having my health insurance reduced to a sustinet level is terrifying...
knowledge is power but only when utilized. you state employees who are so proud u can read a contract is all great but evidently you are not educated enough to understand it. Wow maybe it is time to understand that this state is in trouble. i hope u understand that u may not get laidoff but when services are cut its almost y is it only when something destructive happen you all act as if you care about others. Malloy need to start cut services and layoff. that will be shared. i am glad i am not in your state
Read Morevalrie are you for real drink a little more koolaid! maybe you better read the agreement especially the part of closings and restruture of areas!
Union leaders/Administration - the proposed change in healthcare, pension and wages, etc will have a significant impact on me and my families future.
But its ok, I have an idea.
Please provide to me your family medical history. Please include blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and any prexisting conditions you may have. I promise to secure this private information on a state computer. No chance of a breach.
Now, since we all are getting that "nudge" to get healthier, for just a nominal fee I will design an excercise, diet and medical appt schedule to fit your individual needs! Cardio,
Read Moreyou who are led by fear and presented by your union with fear tactics yes maybe you better look at whats going on around the country. Please everyday this state is spending and if there is no money than you dont spend valerie since you know so much miss ignorant why dont you try reading the sustinet agreement you might get a clue and because they saw so you believe them but dont believe the bill that just passed or 242 pages of sustinet ??? Seriously we need to get of people like you who are constantly led by fear
Read MoreValrie maybe you should try getting an education you might then know when you are getting a snow job!!! YOu are definitely priceless
Sustinet is a fact maybe you ought to try reading!!!! oh so they call it a name and say they are putting in this year so you believe read section e of the bill they passed. They are just waiting for you to vote yes. it states when the collective bargaining agreement they will then implement sustinet what in gods name do you think enhancement plan means just recently changed from value health from the 6 page agreement to the 20 page whatever that is because you still dont have all the information about the medical plan but you believe
Read MoreI doubt if we ever will see it happen.Vote NO!
Health Care Made in China , or if you prefer, Walmart.
Et pour la mot "ignorancy" Ca n'exist pas !
sorry i do not have the luxery of snow in my state. But state employees who plow snow are still overpaid. A good solution to balance the budget is to let u all pay 100% into your benefits that u are all entitled to. Problem solved all the baby tears will then wipe dry.
I am a 45 yrs old retired state employee who worked like an ox not a fox for 20yrs. I wasnt a selfish cry baby in the state service, i swim when the water is clear because it is difficult to swim in muddy water. Right now the water in state service is muddy, it will not get clear again until you all learn to work together as a team. Even if all state employee vote "NO" i have nothing to loose, but my prayers will still go out to over 45000 state employees who future is shady, it is
Read MoreI'm sorry, but MAN! When it comes to the measly health insurance changes being proposed, exactly how THICK-SKULLED can you state employees *possibly* BE???
The health-insurance part of the tentative agreement is as "short and sweet" as it is because EVERYTHING *NOT* stated in it STAYS THE SAME AS WHAT YOU CURRENTLY HAVE!!! And it has NOTHING to do with "SustiNet"!!!
SHEESH!!!
I'm NOT a state employee, I'm NOT a union rep, and I'm NOT a government guy, but I *HAVE read it ALL!!! IT AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE, FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD!!!
Stop whining and complaining, and be GRATEFUL your
Read MoreYOU COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER!!!!!!!
SHAME ON THEM.
If you don't think this plan will change the health system, you are nuts. Sure, you can stay with what you have now but you're going to pay through the nose. Another $1200 a year and up to $1400 in deductibles is a huge change. Employees are being coerced to join the State Plan, like it nor not. Don't think this will stand past next July despite what your trustworthy government says.
Has anyone who supports this plan even read any of it? Sustinet is the name of the game. Right from the start its been the intention
Read MoreSUSTINET WILL NOT BE IN EFFECT UNTIL OCTOBER 21st. NO MORE CRYING, THE WORLD WILL END DECEMBER21, 2012.
It's looking like everyone thinks that they are going to get a better deal when #1-Most Local's contracts expire in 2012 and #2-Healthcare/pension (SEBAC) contract expires is 2017. What do you really think you are going to get in 2012 and 2017. Let me break it down for you...Come July 1st (if you are not laid off that is)you will get 2.5% COLA and your step increase (if you are a July increment person). If you are are a January increment person, you will get your increment. That will be it for a VERY long time.
Read MoreWhatever - you made my point. If you were right I'd recommend to vote yes...but your not.
Negoitaions will take place in '12 and '17, abscent agreement the decsion will rest with an arbitrator. I will add the economy is cylical, I would bet you will be negotiating in more stable fiscl times. We have seen this before, stop acting like its all new.
You don't sell the farm because a storm is coming...because the weather is cylical too and if you panic everytime time it rains, thats all you will be doing.
Hapkido-If you think 2012 negotiations are going to go well with Malloy still governor, you are living in a fantasy world. This will get dragged out far enough for a new republican governor, house and legislation, who have it out for state employees, to laugh in our faces. At the table with this governor, WAS retiree healthcare and the whole pension system, amongst other things. I have loads of seniority, so really there is no benefit for me to vote yes, except that trying to salvage a retirement that I was told I would have when I
Read MoreThe state is becoming addicted to employee concessions, as a way to help fund the budget. If the concessions of '11 pass, I predict a new round of concession talks in 3 years-8 months, the concessions of '15. As soon as Livingston hears about a new round of threats to lay off state employees, he'll soil his pants, and your job won't be worth as much. If you add up all the concessions together, it's a bigger funding source, for the state budget, than the lottery & casinos put together. When Rell went past the spending cap, she signed the
Read MoreGreat point MH! thanks!
Valerie Dan Helen sal whoever you are what don't you read the sustinet plan then maybe you will get or is Obama care period
WHEN U GET LAID OFF I WILL READ ABOUT THE BENEFITS LAIDOFF STATE EMPLOYEES ARE GETTING. IT MAY BE BETTER THAN SUSTINET. SOME OF U DO NEED A REALITY CHECK. I GUARANTEE WHEN U ALL GET LAID OFF AND LOOSE THE LITTLE U HAVE, U WILL GO CRAZY SILENTLY. AFTER U ALL VOTE NO THE STATE WILL HAVE MORE CRAZY PEOPLE THAN PRISONERS. GO AHEAD AND VOTE "NO" BECAUSE THE STATE IS UNDER OBLIGATION TO GIVE U BREAD OUT OF STONE!
STATE EMPLOYEES - At this point you should have all of the info you need to make a decision on how you'd like to vote; if you don't, ask your union steward or delegate for whatever info you need and check the SEBAC website and your union's website as well.
Do NOT pay attention to ANYONE on this or ANY OTHER "blog" trying to manipulate or tell you how to vote - at this point, not even ME! SEBAC, the unions and the State have determined that anti-government and anti-State employee organizations and their supporters have been engaging in a
Read MoreRead article in
By Tom percell can't fugeddaboud Christie. I quote mitt Romney he passed a health care plan that stinks almost as bad as the one president Obama rammed though that thing hangin around mitt neck like a rotten side of beef ! There you go folks that is the same plan that ct and thE unions are trying to sell u. The armory was a joke! Disgusting!! Bob kryz said Nancy wyman was and I quote was on sustinet ! Are these people for real they are fighting real hard to sell this health care if that
Steve why dont u stop I mean Dan ,sal,bob, whichever union leader ur are and stop
Selling this piece of crap health care we have nothing to gain but you sure do so be quite
You have got to be kidding me best interest at heart and that is you please you stop blogging at your sebac sit because you are trying to sell a piece of crap that still is not in writing and is sustinet and the mist outrageous part of it all is that there is absolutely no cost savings state employees none
Valrie and Steve you are trying awful hard to sell this plan and that is telling right there if it such a great plan you would not have to sell it. These two are definitely union leaders read sustinet on line it is 242 pages I read it and it says it all and it is very disturbing and you do not want this health care it has a page in nit having enough health care now never mind when everyone in the state has it there are not enough hospital or healthcare workers this us what happened in
Read MoreIf they honored agreements we would not be here right now
To those of you that think they will honor 2022 I not sure where your head is at. They union leader all Dan Livingston mr lawyer who I would never want as a lawyer was say it is an agreement and we will not open this piece until 2017 period .he was so busy yesterday congrats himself on his great job he did on this agreement . Maybe he should have asked the rank and file if they wanted this health care ! I think him tooting his
Censoring union members to a site that they pay for is priceless ! If you have nothing to hide you don't censor people! This is very telling. These people have lost their way andaybe one time they cared but to be on universal health care board of directors since 1999 and then represent union members is a conflict period . Sal Luciano executive director of asfcme on sustinet with Nancy wymAn is a real problem . This bad bad bad and the are no longer representing the rank and file we pay their salaries not the Malloy or Nancy
Read MoreHow do you determine whether one deserves to stay in or stay out? Ultimately, everything is purely subjective, and is based on the evaluator's own perceptions, which again are governed by own life experiences.
This 2011 agreement is a dog. It can not and will not sell by itself. The tail of this dog is wagging its head. Also, it will not sell, no matter who will try to push it to the front row or cut its tail.
Valrie, if you don't live in this state why do you care so much about the healthcare of CT employees or how "overpaid" paid we are? You wouldn't have a vested interest in Sustinet now would you? Perhaps you're afraid somehow your retirement is gonna be affected in the future.
Really, why are you so concerned?
Vote your conscience, but ask your self some fundamental questions prior to voting.
Is it clear what I am voting for?
Is honest information being shared?
Is it fair and equitable across tiers and/or across all public service sectors (i.e. municipal employees)?
Does it stay true to its intended purpose (two year budget shortfall)?
Are other motives possibly driving this agreement?
Does it consider the many concessions and sacrifices I have made over the years?
Is it respectful of my public service role, my professional experience, my family?
Does it really provide the protection and terms it proposes?
Is this
First, people have not been told (and will probably never be told until it is too late) that when a person in the "Enhanced" plan (a/k/a big brother is watching plan) has a reason that they cannot, or will not, take a certain medication (medical, religious, family history reason, whatever)..... the "Cost Containment Committee" which is the review board before which the employee will have to appear to explain his/her position.....DOES NOT HAVE EVEN ONE DOCTOR OR NURSE ON IT. In other words, you will be discussing your intimate medical details with union representatives and other non-medical personnel who
Read MoreFirst, people have not been told (and will probably never be told until it is too late) that when a person in the "Enhanced" plan (a/k/a big brother is watching plan) has a reason that they cannot, or will not, take a certain medication (medical, religious, family history reason, whatever)..... the "Cost Containment Committee" which is the review board before which the employee will have to appear to explain his/her position.....DOES NOT HAVE EVEN ONE DOCTOR OR NURSE ON IT. In other words, you will be discussing your intimate medical details with union representatives and other non-medical personnel who
Read MoreI agree with this one. My own union is censoring me? The union I pay my dues to? Once we are finished dispatching this "plan," we need to all get together and vote to dispatch this particular "union." Outrageous. the level of disrespect being shown to us BY OUR OWN UNION. They must think we are all morons.
What interesting reading here.. all these CT residents insisting that
State employees suck it up and let Sustinet be the new & improved Health Care plan, obviously they too, are under-educated and overpaid. Don't they realize that if Dan & the gang get this implemented it will be forced on every business within the borders of this state. It will be run by the State of CT and do you think they will allow independent health care companies to co-exist here, when they can get their hands on all the $$$???. Trust me, what happens to State
"disgusted in co..." (presumably "connecticut") - There's NOTHING in the actual (written), proposed health insurance modifications that refers to employees attending ANY sort of "support groups." They'd simply have access to nurse consultants and the like via telephone, written disease management & medications info by mail and/or on the web, etc. This stuff is nothing new; we've had access to such stuff for YEARS now (voluntarily, anyway) and still do. No big deal.
As far as "HIPA" goes, it allows your employer and your health insurance co. to share/exchange claim-related info on covered employees... that's ALREADY going on & HAS
Read MoreMy insurance card says Anthem on it, not State of Connecticut. No management at any level is allowed to access your medical records for any reason unless its becomes a personell or workmans comp matter, then only certain personell management have access but only to the extent that is provided by the employee not the insurer. Every training session I've been to drills that in repeatedly. Violation of this can result in termination.
One other thing you may not realize -
Once the revisions to the State employee health care plan are implemented, the plan is considered a
Oh really. Sustinet is one thing but who do you suppose is going to run and administer it??? OH yeah, a whole new agency full of high paid state employees. Gawd, those of you who can't see that are so blind.
Right now a little over 200,000 are in the state's healthplan, once they add towns & non-profits there will be likely over 500,000 and then comes HUSKY, and welfare and then the private sector.
Do you really think that the state comptroller's office where sustinet is proposed to start will be able to handle
Read MoreFor those of you who have not done the math, I will share some facts and you decide what to do. In my case, if I am laid off for one year, collect unemployment for trhe year and get called back by the state, this cost me from that day to the day and through my retirement yars a minimum of $80,000.First the difference in my salary verses unemployment for the year is 47,000. The health care cost for the year is about $18,000, and the year I lose towards my pension calculation and one years increase is another $15,000,
Read MoreExcuse some of the typing errors in my above comments, in a hurry due to pressed for time and did not have time for proof reading, also I am not the greatest typist.
regarding health care issues, Moody is correct. The CEO of a corporation does not have access to employee medical information with out the employee approval in writing. Also this is so confodential that even if a manager knows about an employee health issue, he can not share or even talk about it. This happened at a party thrown by a company and one manager was overheard talking about an employee health issue. They turned the manager in and the employee who had the health issued was awarded a five million dollar settlement.Most HR people do not even realize that they
Read MorePlease go to a Q & A meeting and LISTEN to the answers and keep your complaints to yourself. It is not a gripe session. Whining and griping distracts others from getting the info they need to make a decision. Please have courtesy for your fellow employees and do not waste their time at these meetings by spreading ignorance. People need the facts.
"VOTE NO WE HAVE UNTIL 2017 AND BEST OF ALL ALL MALLOY WILL BE OUT."
WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!!!!!! You don't "have until 2017". You have until 2012. Barganing unit contracts expire in 2012.
If the SEBAC TA is voted down, Healthcare and retirement will still be on the table. It will not come off of it. THEY WILL WANT HEALTHCARE CONCESSIONS NEXT YEAR!!!!Only in 2012 what the state offers will be uglier than the offer now. And this offer is good. It extends the much ballyhooed contract up to 2022. Are you paying attention?! The house Republicans hate this deal
Read MoreEG is correct, no doubt about it. If this deal gets turned down you will be back at the table. The cost for early retirement was negotiated down in this deal from the actual cost of a little over 7%. In 2017 the arbitrator will demand and settle for the over 7% per year and that is not all. The pension fund will still be overfunded even more than today and they will tear the pension down and you will be on a worse medical plan with much higher contribution. This is inevitable.These cost are not sustainable. So
Read MoreI agree....I see nothing wrong with this deal. Its the best we are going to get.
Again, there is a reason the House Republicans don't like it. Because they are looking to screw state employees and this TA is very beneficial.
I think it stinks that we even had to re-open the SEBAC agreement in the first place. But we *did* have to - for our own sake as well as the State's - so it's a moot point. Given that, I agree with you EG - it's the best that *either* side can hope to get at this point. In fact, I think *both* sides did a remarkably good job considering the overall political and economic situations - as well as the time constraints - that they had to work within.
An when I think of all of the craziness
Read More"If the state does not change its demographic trajectory, it faces a bleak future."
A Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis report, "Recovery Stirring, But Will Connecticut be Too Old to Compete?"
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