5 Conn. nursing homes file for Ch. 11 bankruptcy

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Five Connecticut nursing homes have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization after the U.S. Supreme Court denied their management company's request to delay a court order to reinstate 600 striking workers.

HealthBridge Management LLC announced Monday that the homes filed Chapter 11 papers in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newark, N.J., Sunday. Patient care won't be affected.

The Parsippany, N.J., company cited "unsustainable" pension and medical benefit costs for workers with District 1199 of the New England Health Care Employees Union.

A union spokeswoman planned to release a statement later Monday.

The five nursing homes are Long Ridge of Stamford, Newington Health Care Center, Westport Health Care Center, West River Health Care Center in Milford and Danbury Health Care Center. Workers are set to return to their jobs March 3.