A Connecticut legislative committee has approved a legal settlement that would end a long-running federal court battle over former Governor John Rowland's decision to lay off 2,800 unionized state employees about 12 years ago.
Judiciary Committee members on Monday voiced concern with the deal, which could potentially cost the state tens of millions of dollars.
But Rep. William Tong, the committee's co-chairman, said the state is in a difficult position legally and this represents the best of what could be an even worse financial deal for the state.
The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City ruled in 2013 that Rowland's administration violated the workers' right to freedom of association. This agreement, which awaits further legislative action, allows affected workers to be compensated with vacation time.
