Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by The Hartford Courant.
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Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s promise to grant state employee unions raises every year of his term is either a stunning misstep or wrongdoing that undermines taxpayers and tilts the scales in favor of our state’s most powerful special interest group — government unions.
During negotiations, the governor’s team evidently recognized its error and subsequently proposed no wage increase. This prompted state unions to declare an impasse and call for arbitration to settle the disagreement.
However, in a stunning reversal, the governor’s office released a statement in the CT Mirror stating, “the administration countered Wednesday that it has always planned to offer raises to all bargaining units — and that hasn’t changed.”
As the head of the executive branch, the governor or his designated representative leads contract negotiations with the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, or SEBAC, under Connecticut General Statutes § 5-278.
Additionally, agreements reached are subject to ratification by SEBAC’s member unions and require approval by the General Assembly to become binding. While this is an important step, it is mostly pro forma.
When labor and management in Connecticut hammer out an agreement, there’s a strong expectation from arbitrators and the courts that these agreements will be put into practice. This means that if either side rejects a tentative agreement, they’ll likely find themselves at a disadvantage if the dispute proceeds to arbitration or court.
It shouldn’t be a significant challenge for the governor’s labor management team to strike a balance between respecting the workforce and ensuring the interests of taxpayers are protected. By preemptively pledging annual raises, Lamont has not only surrendered leverage but also transformed negotiations into a political giveaway, raising questions of incompetence — or worse.
Negotiations rarely proceed in a straight line. They are dynamic, constantly shifting interactions where participants find themselves either pressing their advantage or defending their position. Think of it like a game: you’re either on offense, actively trying to score, or on defense, protecting your goal. Understanding which role you’re playing at any given moment, and being ready to switch gears, is crucial for success.
By telegraphing guaranteed raises, Lamont places unions on offense, emboldened to demand wage and benefit enhancements, rather than defending existing gains. As negotiation expert Chester Karrass once said, “You don’t get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate.” Revealing your playbook isn’t negotiation — it’s surrender.
State unions, representing 45,000 employees, already secured a staggering 33% in raises and step increases under the 2017 SEBAC agreement, far outpacing the wage growth of the private-sector workers whose taxes pay their salaries.
These contracts, negotiated in the name of taxpayers, are meant to balance fairness to employees with fiscal responsibility. Yet, taxpayers are left out, footing the bill for what resembles a feast.
CGS § 5-278 mandates that the state bargain in “good faith,” meaning negotiations should prioritize the public’s interest alongside employee welfare. Good-faith bargaining requires strategy, not capitulation.
When the governor promises generous concessions, unions don’t need backroom deals. Taxpayers are fleeced, boldly and out in the open.
Unions wield considerable political influence, offering crucial campaign endorsements, robust grassroots advocacy, and a reliable bloc of votes. Lamont secured the AFL-CIO’s endorsement in 2018, and SEBAC (state unions) has historically leveraged its power to achieve advantageous terms for its members. Announcing raises prior to negotiations could be perceived as a reward for political loyalty rather than a decision grounded in sound financial management.
Another concerning possibility is that, when actions consistently prioritize special interests over the public good, incompetence can morph into something else— a line Lamont’s approach teeters on the brink of crossing.
Given this precarious financial position, Lamont had a clear alternative during negotiations with state unions. He could have strategically centered discussions on fiscal responsibility, advocating for measures such as a wage freeze and crucial pension reforms. This approach would have put unions on the defensive, compelling them to confront the state’s dire financial realities.
Instead, the governor’s approach appears to have signaled a willingness to concede, effectively “telegraphing” to unions that their demands would be met, preemptively prioritizing their interests over those of the taxpayers. This missed opportunity could have set a different tone for negotiations, one that emphasized long-term financial stability for all Connecticut’s people.
Taxpayers deserve a governor who negotiates for them, not one who hands unions a blank check. Fairness to state employees doesn’t mean unchecked generosity. Connecticut’s private-sector workers, facing modest raises and leaner benefits, can only dream of the security and generosity state employees enjoy.
The governor must reset the table, starting with transparency in negotiations and a commitment to fiscal discipline. If Lamont continues to treat unions as partners in a political machine rather than counterparts in a negotiation, the line will blur further. It’s time to bargain in true good faith — for all of Connecticut, not just its unions.
