Oxford Officials Discuss Significant Reductions In Pay For New Town Employees

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

OXFORD, CT – New town workers hired by the town could see a sharp decrease in their wages, a decrease in sick time, an increase in their insurance costs and a change in their retirement plans. That was part of a spirited discussion at the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting, where it was noted that negotiations for new contracts have begun.

One of the options being discussed for new hires is to lower salaries 20 percent from existing hires and to decrease paid sick time from the current 15 days to 4 days.

Town officials said the town is currently paying $41,000 per family for health coverage. They added that under consideration is a retirement plan that instead of the current defined plan would be a 401K plan.

First Selectmen George Temple said the town’s hand is being forced on the issue, in part because of its current pension liabilities.

During the public comment part of the meeting, citizen John Downs said the town needs to be careful in how it treats its workforce because, in his words, “this is why unions were formed.”

Temple said while he appreciates Downs’ comments, the town, like many other towns and cities in Connecticut, is being held captive by its pension and benefit obligations and that something needs to change.

The selectmen noted that nothing, yet, is written in stone and that they have until next January to review and discuss the next contract.