Connecticut House Speaker Ritter predicted correctly on avoiding nursing home strike

A nursing home strike looked increasingly likely last week, but House Speaker Matt Ritter still remained optimistic all along.

It appeared grim at times as Gov. Ned Lamont announced that he had given his last, best offer to the workers, and the 1199 union that represents nursing home workers remained firm in its position.

But unlike others, Ritter stayed optimistic. A strike, he said, was a bad idea with no winners - as the state would lose $2 million per day and an estimated $15 million per week if workers walked off their jobs.

With the strike now avoided, Ritter said, “The nursing home strike deal and working with some folks on that is one of the proudest moments of my political career so far.’'

As a strong ally of the unions and a key player with ties to the Lamont administration, Ritter was highly aware of the behind-the-scenes actions of negotiators.

“There would be no greater birthday present than for them to work this out,’' Ritter said last Wednesday on his 39th birthday. “I know yesterday seemed like they had hit a bad spot, but I’m optimistic. As long as the parties keep talking today and tomorrow, I’m optimistic they can get there. Hope springs eternal, but my understanding is they’re still talking and communicating, which is good.’'

Regarding a strike, he said, “It would be a difficult situation for everybody. Both sides have merit in their arguments. If they can recognize that they both have different functions, different responsibilities, and different viewpoints, I think we can get there. I remain optimistic based upon what I’m hearing.’'

Adding that he could not say much more, Ritter said, “Sorry to be cryptic, but this is not my job to negotiate it, and it’s certainly not my job to negotiate it in the press.’'

He added, “I care deeply about a lot of the individuals involved in those negotiations, both down the hall [in the governor’s office] and at 1199.’'

Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com

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