© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WECS · WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM · WVOF
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Jepsen Withdraws Supreme Court Petition in Rowland Layoff Case

Chion Wolf
/
WNPR

Connecticut's Attorney General says he will sit down with union leaders to talk about a settlement in a damages case that dates back to the Rowland administration. To clear the way for talks, George Jepsen has withdrawn his appeal of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case.

The dispute stems from a wave of public sector layoffs implemented by Governor John Rowland in 2003. Unions representing more than 2,500 former employees sued the governor. This May, the U.S. Court of Appeals concluded in favor of the unions, saying Rowland had acted illegally in implementing the layoffs by targeting certain union members. But Jepsen filed a petition for a hearing with the Supreme Court.

Jepsen said he's withdrawing that petition because of the willingness of the unions to negotiate a settlement. "[It's a] difficult choice," he said, "but one I'm very comfortable making, one that I'm very confident is in the best interests of the taxpayers of the state of Connecticut. And we'll see -- we hope and believe the unions will be there negotiating in good faith. We certainly will be, and we'll see if an outcome can be reached."

Jepsen said his petition to the Supreme Court stood very little chance of being heard. He said he spoke to former Governor Rowland about his decision to pursue talks.

Harriet Jones is Managing Editor for Connecticut Public Radio, overseeing the coverage of daily stories from our busy newsroom.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.