Naugatuck Legislators Propose Cap on Binding Arbitration ...
by Jamison Bazinet Jan 2015
With the 2015 Legislative Session underway, State
Representatives Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-70) and David Labriola
(R-131) have proposed a bill to cap Binding Arbitration awards to the
prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Binding Arbitration is conducted by three judges and is the
process by which collective bargaining agreement disputes are settled. Such
disputes typically arise between a town and a union over negotiations of a new
or expired contract outlining benefits and wages.
Reps. Labriola and Rebimbas propose capping arbitration awards reasonably to
the prevailing CPI. The CPI, according to the CT Department of Labor, is a
measure of the average change in prices of goods and services over time in a
fixed market. In other words, it is the average cost of living for each Connecticut resident.
This proposed legislation, similar to a bill Reps. Labriola
and Rebimbas proposed in the past to help stabilize
town budgets, would maintain an equal check and balance between income and spending.
“The ultimate goal is to eliminate the entire binding
arbitration system,” said Rep. Labriola. “For now,
our proposal constitutes a reasonable step towards providing sorely needed
relief to municipalities regarding their budgets.”
“This legislation will help protect towns from potentially
unreasonable contract awards,” Rep. Rebimbas said.
“I hope these common sense proposals are given a public
hearing,” Labriola added, “Unfortunately the majority
party hasn’t previously allowed one. It is important that the public be allowed
to voice their opinions on this critical matter.”
H.B. 5609 has been referred
to the Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees, which is Co-Chaired by
Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Gary Winfied (D-94)
and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-2).
http://cthousegop.com/2015/01/naugatuck-legislators-propose-cap-on-binding-arbitration-awards/