Hartford, Union Reach Deal To Save $4 Million Over Six Years

The city has reached a tentative deal with one of its largest unions that would save Hartford nearly $4 million over the course of a six-year contract, officials said.

The agreement between the city and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 4, Local 1716, which represents about 400 workers, calls for four years of wage freezes, two years of pay increases and changes to benefits. Those changes include higher dental premiums and a switch to a high-deductible health plan.

The contract also features "long-term structural changes" to retiree health insurance and sick leave accruals, though specifics weren't available Monday. Union leaders declined to provide details because the agreement hasn't been ratified by members. Local 1716 is expected to vote on it next week.

Larry Dorman, a union spokesman, said the deal provides "real savings" and requires "real sacrifice" from members, who have been negotiating with the city for months. The two sides reached the agreement on April 14, but Dorman said members have yet "to fully digest it."

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