(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has reached a three-year agreement with SEIU 1199 NE that will result in significant wage increases for direct care workers in Connecticut’s nursing homes and group homes. As a result, the union has withdrawn its plans to strike.

“The workers in our nursing homes and group homes provide critical support and care to our most vulnerable residents, and in doing so, deserve salaries that reflect their dedicated work,” Governor Lamont said. “I am proud to reach an agreement that provides workers with a significant increase in their compensation for the next several years, while also addressing the workforce crisis facing many of our nursing and group homes. This deal protects and maintains continuity of care for thousands vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities. I appreciate SEIU 1199 and their President Rob Baril for working with state leaders to reach a fair deal.”

“I’m happy that the governor and lawmakers saw the true value of healthcare workers like me,” Johannah Alabi, a CNA and one of the healthcare workers who participated in negotiations with Governor Lamont’s office, said. “The last thing we wanted to do was go on strike – we’d rather remain with our residents who need us. We’re looking forward to continuing to provide care while also feeling respected and supported for the hard work we do.”

The agreement includes incremental increases in Medicaid for nursing homes and group homes over the next three years that creates a pathway to increase wages for certified nursing assistants to $26 per hour by January 1, 2028.