Conn. motor vehicle offices to stay open following unions' approval of concessions deal; no courthouses will close (video)

By Mary E. O’Leary
Register Topics Editor
HARTFORD — Plans to close motor vehicle offices and end state-run ferries won’t go through, now that an agreement has been reached with state workers, but the process to raise fare increases for Metro-North riders will proceed.
Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barnes Friday addressed budget issues, potential closings and layoffs in light of the approval this week of the $1.6 billion concession package by state workers.
About 3,100 layoff notices were issued to executive branch workers, with about 230 of them already losing their jobs. Barnes said these will be rescinded as of Sept. 1 for union members who are represented by locals that approved the pension and heath care changes, as well as the separate wage package that provides for four years of job security.Some 70 managers who have gotten pink slips are not protected by the agreement.
A spokeswoman for the Judicial Department said the 452 layoff notices sent to its workers, including temporary court clerks, are being rescinded. She said no law libraries or courthouses will close, but the New Haven Juvenile Detention Center will be shuttered.

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