Connecticut Care Workers Set for Wage Increase Gains

# Connecticut Care Workers Win Historic Wage Increases After Strike Threat

Connecticut’s care workers in nursing homes and group homes just scored a huge win in their fight for fair pay. After thousands threatened to walk off the job, the state and SEIU 1199NE union settled on a new three-year deal with major wage hikes for these essential workers.

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This agreement marks a real shift for healthcare workers across Connecticut, from Hartford to New Haven. It’s one of the biggest wage bumps the sector’s seen in years.

The Agreement: What Connecticut Care Workers Gained

Governor Ned Lamont announced the deal, and honestly, it’s a relief for care facilities everywhere. The agreement calls for step-by-step Medicaid funding boosts that will flow to nursing homes and group homes over the next three years.

Substantial Wage Increases for Nursing Home Staff

Certified nursing assistants will earn $26 per hour by January 1, 2028. For folks working in places like Stamford and Waterbury, that’s a game changer—especially after years of tough, underpaid work.

SEIU 1199NE President Rob Baril said this puts nursing home workers on a “real pathway to earning $30 an hour.” In towns like Bridgeport and Greenwich, that kind of pay means more than just a bigger paycheck—it finally recognizes how vital these caregivers are.

Progress for Group Home Workers

Group home workers didn’t quite reach the same wage levels, but the union says they made real progress. Care providers in smaller spots, like New London and Danbury, will see benefits from the Medicaid funding increases.

That should help with staffing shortages that’ve made life tough for both workers and the people they care for.

Addressing Connecticut’s Healthcare Workforce Crisis

This agreement couldn’t come at a better time. Connecticut’s healthcare system has been struggling with serious staffing problems lately.

Places like Norwalk and Torrington have had a hard time keeping enough staff, which puts stress on everyone—workers and residents alike.

The Power of Collective Action

The threat of strikes at so many facilities turned out to be a strong bargaining chip for the union. Thousands were ready to walk if their demands weren’t met, showing just how vital their work is and how broken the old wage system was.

After the deal, SEIU 1199NE called off the strike. That means care continues uninterrupted for vulnerable residents all across Connecticut.

Looking Forward: The Impact on Connecticut’s Care System

The three-year agreement brings some real changes to Connecticut’s long-term care system:

Major wage increases phased in over three years

Improved staffing ratios to enhance quality of care

Stronger investment in long-term care infrastructure

Better retention of experienced caregivers

For residents in care facilities across Connecticut, these changes mean more stable care teams. There’s a good chance they’ll see better service, too.

The wage increases should help facilities attract and keep qualified staff. That’s a big deal, since staffing shortages have hurt patient care for years.

Governor Lamont backs the agreement, which really shows the state values care workers as a core part of Connecticut’s healthcare system. As this agreement rolls out, folks in places like Middletown and Manchester might notice more familiar faces in their local care homes.

Here is the source article for this story: Care workers in Connecticut are receiving a wage increase

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