Connecticut Service Plaza Workers Win Union Rights, $1.5M Wage Settlement

Connecticut’s in the spotlight as Governor Ned Lamont rolls out a major labor agreement. Hundreds of employees at the state’s highway service plazas are about to see some big changes.

The deal, struck with SEIU Local 32BJ, gives plaza workers the right to unionize and bargain for wages, benefits, scheduling, and safety. At the same time, the state settled for $1.5 million with Project Service, the company running the plazas, after years of wage complaints.

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This move points to a real shift for worker protections and wage fairness in Connecticut’s service sector. It’s hard not to wonder what took so long.

Historic Unionization Opportunity for Plaza Workers

The agreement covers employees at 23 highway service plazas along key Connecticut roads like Interstates 95 and 395, plus Route 15. These plazas pop up in places like Milford, Madison, Darien, Westbrook, and Wallingford.

Applegreen CT operates the plazas through franchise deals with Project Service. If most workers decide to join SEIU Local 32BJ, they’ll kick off formal collective bargaining.

What Collective Bargaining Could Mean for Workers

Union representation could really shake things up for employees who keep these stops running. Workers would finally get to negotiate for themselves on issues like:

Fair and competitive wages
Better health care and retirement benefits
Flexible and predictable scheduling
Improved workplace safety

Folks working in plazas in Old Lyme, Montville, and Groton—where travelers pour in every day—stand to gain a lot.

Settlement Over Wage Violations

Alongside the union agreement, Connecticut also tackled a long-standing wage issue. The state reached a $1.5 million settlement with Project Service after investigations found that subcontractors underpaid workers, violating state wage laws.

Many of these employees travel in from cities like New Haven and Bridgeport to work at the plazas. It’s been a sore spot for years.

Ensuring Compliance and Fair Pay

Under the settlement, Project Service has to pay back all affected workers. They also need to make sure their subcontractors follow the law from here on out.

This kind of enforcement could set a new standard for protecting workers, especially in busy spots like Norwalk and Stamford.

Statements from State Leaders and Company Officials

Governor Lamont said the agreement shows Connecticut’s commitment to fair pay and worker representation. He pointed out that letting plaza employees unionize means their voices will finally matter at the bargaining table.

A Long-Awaited Legal Victory

Attorney General William Tong called the settlement a long-overdue win for workers. He emphasized the years of investigation and legal work that led to this outcome.

Tong said the resolution sends a message: wage theft won’t fly in Connecticut.

Industry Response and Plaza Investments

On the business side, Project Service CEO Trevor Moore said the settlement clarifies what the company needs to do under Connecticut wage law. He added that the deal lets them keep working on plaza upgrades—from better facilities in Greenwich to new dining in Waterford.

Potential Ripple Effect Across Connecticut

Some labor experts think this agreement and settlement might spark similar moves in other industries with lots of subcontracting. In towns from Hartford to Westport, workers may look at this and wonder if it’s time to push for change themselves.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Connecticut Workers

This unionization agreement, along with the big wage settlement, marks a major shift for service plaza employees. It could even shake up Connecticut’s whole labor scene.

As the state pushes for stronger worker protections, everyone’s waiting to see what happens next. Will workers actually vote to unionize? And will those contracts really change the day-to-day lives of the folks who keep travelers moving?

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Here is the source article for this story: Deal allows CT service plaza workers to unionize; plaza operator agrees to pay $1.5M in owed wages

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