Conn. unions still hope to avoid massive layoffs

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut union officials say they hope 7,500 state employee layoffs can be avoided, even though unionized workers scuttled a labor-concessions package that the governor was counting on to balance a two-year state budget.

Larry Dorman, a spokesman for union leaders, urged Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the General Assembly to give the unions “a little bit of space” to determine the next step.

Many of the state’s 45,000 unionized workers were leery of the deal.

Leaders of the 15 unions are meeting Monday. Dorman said it would be premature to discuss the available options, such as re-votes.

Malloy told reporters he is moving ahead quickly with layoff notices, saying he has no choice. He is also calling the legislature back in for a special session to request more budget-cutting authority.