‘Bridge Too Far:’ Striking Workers Unemployment Bill Vetoed

Gov. Ned Lamont vetoed controversial legislation allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits June 23.

The governor had repeatedly promised use his veto power on SB 8, even before it passed the House 87 to 59 May 30, after earlier clearing the Senate on a 24-11 party line vote.

“The Unemployment Trust Fund exists to provide support to individuals who are out of work
through no fault of their own, and its long-term sustainability is critical,” he wrote in the veto notice sent to the Secretary of State.

“Extending benefits to individuals actively participating in labor disputes—even after a period of time—alters the fundamental purpose of the program.”

Lamont vetoed vaguely worded legislation last year that created a $3 million, taxpayer-funded “Connecticut families and workers account” intended to support strikers.

‘Terrible Policy’

 “Paying striking workers is a bridge too far and doesn’t help our cause,” Lamont told reporters June 24.

“I think that some people say, ‘you’re too pro-labor,’ or ‘you’re too pro-business.’ I think I’m pro-jobs, and I want to watch out for any bill which I think discourages jobs in this state.”

A group of nearly two dozen companies, organizations, and chambers of commerce—including CBIA—urged the governor to veto the bill in a June 5 letter.

“I’m pro-jobs, and I want to watch out for any bill which I think discourages jobs in this state.”

Gov. Ned Lamont

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said the bill “undermines Connecticut’s economic competitiveness by unfairly tipping the balance between employee and employer.”

“We applaud Gov. Lamont’s veto of the unemployment for striking workers bill,” he said.

“It is terrible public policy, and as the governor noted, sent the wrong message about Connecticut’s business environment.”

Labor Priority

DiPentima said it was clear the governor saw SB 8—a top priority for organized labor and Senate Democratic leadership—as too extreme in a state long perceived as having a poor business climate.

Lamont has championed or endorsed numerous pro-worker policies during his time in office, including minimum wage increases, paid family and medical leave, expanded paid sick leave, and restrictions on employer workplace communications.

We applaud @GovNedLamont’s veto of the striking workers bill—it is terrible public policy, and as he noted, sent the wrong message. We also welcome continuing the housing discussion, with collaboration and bipartisan solutions critical. #reimaginect https://t.co/8Vz4yFaoJv

— Chris DiPentima (@ChrisDipentima) June 23, 2025

In his veto letter, the governor highlighted his track record of supporting organized labor’s policy priorities.

“Connecticut’s workers are the backbone of our economy,” he wrote. “I strongly support their right to
organize, advocate for better conditions, and be treated with dignity and respect in the
workplace.

“My administration has consistently stood with workers in the fight for fair treatment, safer
workplaces, and economic dignity.”

Housing Bill

Lamont also vetoed HB 5002, a wide-ranging measure designed to address the state’s critical housing shortage that drew opposition from a number of cities and towns.

The governor said while he “reluctantly” vetoed the measure, he expected advocates to work on revised legislation to be acted on in a special legislative session later this year.

“Connecticut families, workers, and businesses are depending on us to act.”

Lamont

“Doing nothing is not an option,” he wrote in his veto letter. “Connecticut families, workers, and businesses are depending on us to act.

“But they are also counting on us to get it right.

“That is why I remain committed to working together with the General Assembly and all stakeholders to swiftly enact a stronger, more balanced, and more effective housing plan during a special session this summer.”

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Paul Amarone (860.244.1978).