The CT SEBAC agreement is a pivotal agreement that affects all state employees in Connecticut. SEBAC, or State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition, is a coalition of Connecticut state employee unions that negotiates with the state government on issues relating to wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The most recent SEBAC agreement was ratified in 2017 and outlines significant changes to state employee benefits and pensions. The agreement was reached after months of negotiations between SEBAC and the state government, resulting in a hard-fought compromise that aimed to balance a growing state budget deficit with the needs and wants of state employees.
One of the most significant changes in the 2017 agreement was the implementation of a Tier IV pension plan for new state employees. This plan provides a less generous pension benefit than the existing Tier II and Tier III pension plans, which were preserved for current state employees. The Tier IV plan is expected to save the state millions of dollars in pension costs over time.
The agreement also included changes to employee healthcare benefits, which are projected to save the state approximately $700 million over the next five years. These changes include increased utilization of generic prescription drugs, increased employee contributions to healthcare premiums, and the institution of a new retiree healthcare plan for future retirees.
Other changes in the agreement include wage increases for state employees, increased vacation time for certain union members, and the creation of a Labor Management Committee to improve communication and collaboration between state employees and the state government.
The CT SEBAC agreement is an important example of how collaboration and compromise can lead to positive outcomes for both employees and employers. While the agreement includes difficult changes for state employees, it represents a balancing of the needs of employees with the fiscal realities faced by the state government. Overall, the agreement is a significant victory for both state employees and the state of Connecticut.