HARTFORD – 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.”
“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).
Rep. Rebimbas represents the 70th district of Naugatuck.
Rep. Labriola represents the 131st district of Naugatuck, Oxford and Southbury.