MANCHESTER, Conn. (WFSB) – Around 500 caregivers across Connecticut officially went on strike Friday morning, demanding greater retirement security.
The workers, represented by SEIU 1199 New England, walked off the job at 6 a.m., rallying outside facilities like the Network Day Program in Manchester.
Union leaders say members from three agencies, Network Inc., Caring Community, and Alternative Services Inc., are striking to push for an increase in employer pension contributions by 0.2 percent.
Without that boost, the union says the pension fund is at risk of defaulting.
The strike impacts clients and families who rely on the agencies’ day programs and community living services across the state.
The union originally planned for two agencies to join the strike but confirmed Friday morning that Caring Community had also joined.
A fourth agency, Whole Life, reached an agreement with the union on Thursday, so its employees are not participating in the strike.
Caregivers say they’re committed to continuing the fight until a fair agreement is reached.
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