Leaders of the state employee unions in Connecticut have met representatives of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s administration to discuss ways to address the state’s $500 million budget deficit.
Eric Bailey, a spokesman for the coalition of unions, says the informal discussions Thursday sought to lay the groundwork for future substantive negotiations
He says union leaders did not discuss additional labor concessions, such as more furlough days or pay freezes. Workers have given more than $700 million over two years.
The unions discussed ideas such as adding municipalities, small businesses and others to the state’s health care system. They also talked about delaying $100 million in payments to the state employees pension fund as agreed to last year.
The two sides agreed to continue talks to identify measures to boost government efficiency, save money and rebuild the economy. (AP)
