As Lamont Vetoes Aid to Striking Workers, Union Vow to Organize

 When workers vote to go on strike, it is their last resort against an employer who refuses to bargain in good faith with the union for wages, benefits and respect.

This year the Connecticut AFL-CIO made it a priority to include striking workers in unemployment compensation benefits. They were taking a lead from New Jersey and New York who already allow striking workers to receive unemployment insurance, thereby leveling the playing field for the courageous workers standing up for their rights and livelihood..

HB 5431, which would set up a special $3 million fund that workers could draw upon to help pay basic necessities if they are forced on strike, passed the legislature this session but Governor Ned Lamont vowed to veto it.

Last week that's exactly what he did – deny emergency assistance to help workers forced on strike pay their bills. It is up to the Legislature to pass that bill again in the next session.

The veto is especially disgraceful in light of the growing inequality since the pandemic which saw the profits of large corporations explode while poverty for the majority has risen.

“Gov. Lamont has failed to hear the voices of thousands of working people who urged him to stand with striking workers,” said Ed Hawthorne, president of the Connecticut AFL CIO . “The Governor had a choice – stand with corporate CEOs or stand with working people. Unfortunately, he chose corporate CEOs.”

Hawthorne went on to say, “This legislation would have given countless private sector workers a fair shot to negotiate a living wage and affordable benefits,” pointing out that nine other states are considering similar legislation.

Connecticut State Council of Machinists president Patrick Buzzee said their 10,000 active and retired members “are very disappointed that Gov. Lamont vetoed this Legislation after being pressured by corporate executives.”

“Just like they do at the bargaining table, corporations made threats and leveraged their resources to try to get their way. As a union who has seen this playbook before, we know how to stand up for working people facing off with a multi-billion-dollar company,” said Buzzee, adding,“This isn’t the end, though. Our members worked tirelessly to get this legislation passed and we will continue to fight for our members and all working people across Connecticut.”