Tenants and Workers Organize: Eviction Protections and UI for Striking Workers

 

In the midst of challenging economic and social times, tenant, union and immigrant coalitions are organizing to protect and expand their rights during this state legislative session. Heaing rooms were packed for the Labor Committee hearing on unemployment for striking workers and the Housing Committee hearing for just cause eviction protection for tenants

The labor committee hearing on allowing unemployment insurance for striking workers after two weeks on the picket line included nine hours of moving testimonies from workers who have experienced weeks on the picket line after being forced on strike by corporations refusing to negotiate a fair contract. Senator Marty Looney led the testimony drawing on his family experience and those of his constituents insisting that as workers are organizing for their rights the bill is essential this year.

Scores of tenants turned out to testify before the Housing Committee in support of HB 6889 to expand Just Cause eviction protections, led by Connecticut Tenants Union, Make the Road CT, Connecticut Fair Housing Center; and allies from Connecrticut for All. The Just Cause coalition is giving voice to the dire needs of tenants in the midst of the severe housing crisis. Many testimonies emphasized housing as a huan right, citing rising homelessness due to mega landlord greed.

HB 6889, An Act Concerning Evictions for Cause expands existing protections to prohibit no-fault, “lapse of time” evictions to all tenants who have lived in a complex with five or more units for at least one year. It requires a landlord to provide a reason to evict or non-renew a lease of covered tenants, such as not paying the rent, violating the lease, engaging in illegal activity, or refusing to agree to a fair and equitable rent increase. The current law, in place for over 40 years, protects tenants who are 62 years or older or have a disability and live in a complex with five or more units. Expanding Just Cause to all renters has no cost to the state, and provides immediate relief to tenants, reducing evictions by 11%, and preventing countless move-out notices.