Published: 2025/12/04 17:58:17

Connecticut Judicial Branch Employees Receive 4.5% Raise

A labor arbitrator has awarded three bargaining units within Connecticut’s Judicial Branch a 2.5% cost-of-living raise and a step increase this fiscal year, effectively representing a 4.5% increase. This decision sets a potential precedent for compensation increases across state government.

Details of the Award

The raises, ordered on Wednesday, are retroactive to July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year. They apply to:

• Judicial Marshals
• Judicial Marshal supervisors
• A third group encompassing Probation Officers, facts Technology Analysts, Assistant Clerks, Counselors, and other support staff.

The award combines a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) with a step increase, which typically adds approximately 2 percentage points to the overall raise value. This results in a total compensation increase of 4.5% for these employees.

Implications for Other State Employees

This arbitration award significantly increases the likelihood that dozens of other bargaining units within Connecticut state government will receive similar raises. If these units also settle for a 2.5% COLA and a step increase, it will mark the fifth consecutive year that state employees’ compensation has increased by roughly 4.5%.

Understanding Step Increases

A “step increase” is a common component of many public sector collective bargaining agreements.It’s a pre-determined increase in pay based on an employee’s years of service within a specific job classification.These increases are typically built into the pay scale and are awarded automatically, regardless of performance, as employees gain experience. They incentivize longevity and reward employees for their continued service.

Union Response

The unions representing the affected employees released a statement directed at Governor Ned Lamont’s administration, stating, “Every day, we keep our communities running – protecting the public and providing the essential services we all count on. It’s time to stop the games and respect us.” This highlights the unions’ desire for fair compensation and recognition of the vital role state employees play.

Negotiation Dynamics

While Judicial Branch administrators handle negotiations with employees within the court system, they operate under guidelines established by the Governor’s budget office. This office also leads negotiations with most other state employee unions, creating a centralized approach to compensation decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Connecticut Judicial Branch employees received a 4.5% raise (2.5% COLA + step increase).
• The award is retroactive to July 1st.
• This decision likely sets a precedent for raises across other state employee bargaining units.
• State employee compensation has increased by approximately 4.5% for the past four years.
• Step increases are a common feature of public sector pay scales, rewarding employee experience.