To The Editor:
Families, small businesses and middle-class workers are all struggling in this economy. As job losses mount, purchasing power crumbles and businesses are forced to lay off more workers, the vicious cycle continues.
During tough times like these, it seems everyone wants to point a finger at someone else and place blame for our state’s financial woes. Increasingly in Connecticut, the finger is being pointed at government in general and public service workers in particular. It may be the easier accusation to sling, but pursuing divisive strategies is hardly the answer to these challenging times.
We all must do our part to put Connecticut back together again.
In discussions with the Rell Administration, the state employee unions (SEBAC) have stepped up to the plate with over $700 million in labor cost savings over the next two years. Even though many unions have contracts that had already been negotiated, giving back is the right thing to do.
Now it’s the state’s turn to do the right thing. Further hampering our economy by cutting jobs is not the answer. Any job loss — whether in the public or the private sector — will only hasten our downward economic spiral. A recent UConn report showed that job losses in the public sector would be “devastating” and cost Connecticut 7,000 jobs in the short term and at least 5,000 annually into the 2020s.
The path to real economic recovery begins with recognizing that we truly are all in this together. Public service workers, the governor, our elected leaders in the state House and Senate, large corporations and small businesses must all do their part.
Patrice Peterson
Teacher, Department of Developmental Services
Secretary-Treasurer, CSEA/SEIU Local 2001
