Thousands of care workers in Connecticut, including staff from nursing homes and group homes, are set to receive a wage increase under a new agreement reached between the state and the union SEIU 1199NE.
This development brings an end to the threat of a large-scale strike that had been scheduled for earlier this month. While the full implications of the deal remain to be seen, the accord signals a meaningful shift in how long-term care labor issues are being addressed.
According to MSN, the deal also includes provisions that reflect deeper concerns around staffing levels and Medicaid funding structures.
A Three-Year Agreement Following Mounting Strike Pressure
The agreement follows growing unrest among care workers, who were prepared to strike if their demands for higher compensation were not met. The state reached a deal with SEIU 1199NE, the union representing these workers, which Governor Ned Lamont announced publicly.
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 [of] 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.”
The agreement prompted the union to call off the planned strike, which would have included thousands of frontline caregivers across the state.
Structured Wage Increases Through Medicaid Funding
The deal provides a roadmap to increase certified nursing assistants’ (CNAs) wages to $26 per hour by January 1, 2028, with a trajectory toward $30/hour for many nursing home workers. These increases are made possible through incremental Medicaid funding increases for nursing homes and group homes over the next three years.
According to the union, the agreement not only improves pay but also supports better staffing levels and represents a real investment in long-term care—a sector historically under-resourced.
“In an incredibly challenging environment – with federal threats to Medicaid and state fiscal guardrails constraining progress – we still won meaningful gains,” said Rob Baril, President of SEIU 1199NE.
“Nursing home workers are now on a real pathway to $30 an hour. There’s further to go for group home workers, but both industries moved forward in important and tangible ways. This deal is a testament to what’s possible when caregivers stand together.”
Care Workers Welcome the Outcome
Many of the workers directly involved in the negotiations expressed relief and pride in the outcome. The focus remained on their commitment to the individuals they care for, and their desire for fair compensation.
I’m happy that the governor and lawmakers saw the true value of healthcare workers like me – said Johannah Alabi, a CNA who took part in the talks.
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.
Union officials reported that members voted overwhelmingly to approve the Governor’s offer, a strong signal of unified support among frontline workers.
Responding to Structural Challenges in Care Delivery
The wage increases arrive amid long-standing challenges in the care sector, including chronic understaffing, retention problems, and low morale.
While the deal is seen as a major win, both state officials and union leaders acknowledged that group home workers still face structural wage gaps that need future attention.
The financial context surrounding the deal includes federal uncertainty around Medicaid and state fiscal guardrails that limit spending.
Despite these limitations, the deal demonstrates that policy-level investment in care workers is feasible, even under constrained conditions.
