Connecticut Reaches 4-Year Contract Deal with 45,000 State Workers

Pact offers 2.5% raises for first 3 years, with a reopener clause for the 4th year

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of official-looking government documents, a pen, and a state seal paperweight arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the importance of fair compensation for essential public services.A new contract agreement aims to support the recruitment and retention of Connecticut's dedicated public sector workforce.Hartford Today

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, representing 45,000 state workers across most government agencies, has announced a new four-year contract deal with the state of Connecticut. The agreement includes 2.5% pay raises during the first three years, and a reopening clause for the fourth year's contract.

Why it matters

This contract represents a significant investment in Connecticut's public workforce, which includes essential workers who keep the state running by maintaining infrastructure, protecting public safety, educating students, and delivering critical services to vulnerable residents. The deal aims to address ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in the public sector.

The details

The contract, which still requires approval from the state legislature, was negotiated over nearly a year between the union coalition and Governor Ned Lamont's administration. It covers all state workers except state police, whose contract was approved in May 2025. The new agreement includes a reopening clause for the fourth year, allowing for further negotiations on the next contract.

  • The previous contracts expired on July 1, 2025.
  • Last month, about 550 state workers rallied at the State Capitol to press for a finalized wage package.
  • Contracts for health benefits are set to expire after June 30, 2027.

The players

State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition

A coalition representing 45,000 state workers across most government agencies in Connecticut.

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut, who negotiated the contract with the union coalition.

Dan Starvish

President of the International Association of Firefighters Local S-15, State of CT Fire Fighters.

Jody Barr

Executive director of AFSCME Council 4.

Travis Woodward

Department of Transportation supervising engineer and president of Connecticut State Employees Association SEIU Local 2001.

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What they’re saying

“As recruitment and retention challenges have intensified across the public safety sector, our members have remained unwavering in their commitment. Each day, our members answer the call to serve — standing ready at a moment's notice to protect the lives, property, and well-being of every resident and visitor in Connecticut.”

— Dan Starvish, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local S-15, State of CT Fire Fighters

“Every day, state workers keep Connecticut running, protecting the public's safety, caring for vulnerable residents, supporting students and families, maintaining our roads and infrastructure, and delivering the essential services our communities rely on. Protecting our state's excellent public services begins with supporting the selfless public servants who provide them.”

— Jody Barr, Executive director of AFSCME Council 4

“Every day state employees show up to keep our roads maintained, schools resourced, and communities and environment safe, even while chaos in Washington unfolds. These contracts represent a reasonable step toward the recruitment, retention and reinvestment needs of our public services.”

— Travis Woodward, Department of Transportation supervising engineer and president of Connecticut State Employees Association SEIU Local 2001

What’s next

The contract agreement now goes to the Connecticut House and Senate for ratification.

The takeaway

This contract represents a significant investment in Connecticut's public workforce, addressing ongoing recruitment and retention challenges to ensure the long-term strength and effectiveness of the state's essential public services.