SB 358, An Act Concerning The Retention Of Service Contract Workers

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE LABOR AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 358, An Act Concerning The Retention Of Service Contract Workers.  CHA opposes this bill.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

SB 358 would expand Connecticut’s existing worker retention law, which today is specific to certain services at Bradley Airport, to include numerous other locations and employers, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living communities.  SB 358 also requires successor contractors to retain most existing service workers for at least 90 days, limits termination during that period to just cause, and removes prior flexibility related to performance history. 

SB 358 would make it more difficult for hospitals and other healthcare providers to hire or change contractors, adding another regulatory burden and increasing the cost of delivering care.  

For these reasons, CHA opposes this bill.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.