SOUTHBURY, Conn. (AP) — Given a second chance to ratify a labor deal that could stop thousands of state employee layoffs, union leaders in Connecticut are turning to rank-and-file members to help persuade their colleagues to vote "yes" this time.

Besides the traditional informational sessions with shop stewards about the proposed labor savings and concessions proposals, this time around the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition is tapping everyday members to participate in various public events, such as a rally planned for Wednesday at a state vocational-technical high school in Bridgeport that's slated for deep cuts if the labor deal isn't ratified.

SEBAC, which represents 15 state employee unions, has also asked members to sign up to become "messengers" who will reach out to their co-workers and explain the recently clarified agreement reached with the governor. And instead of the official union group spokesmen, rank-and-file union members are being offered up for media interviews to discuss the ongoing ratification process and what's at stake for state services if the deal is not approved.