Push to freeze cuts by nursing home firm in Conn.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A federal agency that enforces labor laws is asking a judge to temporarily freeze cuts imposed by a New Jersey-based nursing home company that owns five Connecticut facilities where workers are striking.

The National Labor Relations Board says the injunction will protect HealthBridge/Care One workers from the actions of the Parsippany, N.J.-based firm until a final decision is reached in the case. The process could take up to a decade.

In July, the board found that HealthBridge "failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the union" and made changes to wages, hours and other conditions. Those changes prompted about 700 workers to walk off the job at homes in Danbury, Milford, Newington, Stamford and Westport.

If a federal judge grants the injunction, striking HealthBridge workers will be able to return to work under the original contract.