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Unions seek bargaining rights for Connecticut National Guard members

A 1978 federal law makes it a crime for members of the armed forces to join or attempt to form a labor organization. That includes the National Guard.

HARTFORD, Conn. — *Editor's Note: The video above aired on August 24, 2021*

Labor unions have filed a lawsuit seeking collective bargaining rights for Connecticut National Guard members on active state duty ordered by the governor.

RELATED: National Guard soldiers leave CT for Poland deployment

The lawsuit was filed Monday in federal court.

A 1978 federal law makes it a crime for members of the armed forces to join or attempt to form a labor organization. That includes the National Guard.

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But Yale's Veteran Legal Services Clinic, which is representing the unions, says the statute only applies to service members when they are on active federal duty.

The unions are asking a judge to rule the law doesn't apply to Guard members on state duty.

RELATED: More than 70 Connecticut National Guard members return home

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