On Monday evening, hundreds of workers and allies gathered outside Governor Ned Lamont’s Hartford residence, calling on him to sign urgently needed legislation that would provide unemployment insurance benefits to striking workers. The message from labor, faith, and community advocates was clear: Connecticut must stand with working people.
This powerful mobilization brought together union members, grassroots organizers, and climate justice advocates from across the state, many of whom have been on the frontlines of fights for racial, economic, and environmental justice. The demand to Governor Lamont? When workers are forced to strike, they deserve dignity and protection, not silence.
The legislation, which has already passed both the House and Senate, would allow workers to access unemployment benefits after two weeks on strike. That brief period of support would provide meaningful relief for families who are sacrificing their income to fight for safe conditions, fair wages, and respect in the workplace.
Unfortunately, a small group of counter-protesters voiced opposition, arguing that taxpayers shouldn’t foot the bill. But this framing misses the bigger picture. As Aziz Dehkan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs (CRCJ), put it:
“This legislation is about power, not just paychecks. Supporting workers on strike—especially those in under-resourced communities—is essential to protecting the right to organize and ensuring working people have a fair shot. When we stand with workers, we strengthen the backbone of our economy.”
CRCJ believes that building a sustainable future means centering those most impacted by inequality and ensuring their voices are protected when they speak up. That includes the right to strike without being pushed into a financial crisis.
TAKE ACTION
Governor Lamont has less than 15 days to sign this critical legislation. We need your voice.
📞 Call the Governor’s office at (860) 566-4840
✉️ Email: governor.lamont@ct.gov
Tell him: Sign the Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers Bill. Stand with Connecticut’s workers.
Together, we can build a state where no one is forced to choose between their paycheck and their principles.
