Governor Ned Lamont says a new agreement clears the way for hundreds of Connecticut service plaza employees to unionize while the operator pays $1.5 million in back wages. The deal involves workers at 23 plazas along I-95, I-395, and Route 15. State officials claim subcontractors underpaid staff for years, prompting the settlement and new reporting rules. While union leaders call it a long-fought win, the move could raise operating costs for plaza businesses and potentially push prices higher for travelers. Unionizing still requires majority support from workers before any contract talks on pay, benefits, or schedules begin.