Inside Council 4 - 11.03.23

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

Your union e-newsletter!

Volume II, Issue 1

July to September 2023

Welcome!

Welcome to the latest issue of Inside Council 4, with links to recent webstories that feature and uplift AFSCME Council 4 members, a calendar of events, and info about how to stay connected.

Council 4 was also well-represented at Connecticut AFL-CIO’s 15th Biennial Constitutional Convention, where we won an award for outstanding new organizing and had our leaders re-elected to the AFLCIO’s Executive Board.

This past September, Council 4 welcomed AFSCME President Lee Saunders and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler for the Hartford stop of the national Staff The Front Lines bus tour, which was a massive success that is detailed further below.

We came out of the convention ready to keep organizing, fighting, and winning. Get organized now by signing up for a training from Council 4's Fall Training series, or get sponsored by your Local to apply for Connecticut AFL-CIO’s Labor Leadership Academy!

Hundreds attend Staff The Front Lines job fair in CT

Getting Organized: Council 4 members learn how to engage new hires

Nearly 630 people attended a job fair held in Hartford on September 6 in conjunction with an AFSCME Staff the Front Lines bus stop. Governor Ned Lamont and Mayor Luke Bronin joined AFSCME President Lee Saunders, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, AFSCME Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr and local AFSCME union members for a bus stop press conference on the urgent need to fill open public service positions throughout the state.

Read more.

Healthcare Subsidy “A Game-Changer” for Paraprofessionals

“The fight for a healthcare subsidy is a powerful example of member activism leading to significant results worth celebrating.” Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr.

With Council 4 leading the way, paraprofessionals across Connecticut won a huge victory in the ongoing fight for dignity and fair treatment, with the creation of the Paraprofessional Healthcare Subsidy Program – a one-time $5 million stipend that will pay up to 74 percent of out-of-pocket-health care costs.

Read more.

AFSCME Council 4

We're a 30,000-member strong labor union fighting for the rights and freedoms of Connecticut workers.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Jody Barr, Executive Director Stacie Harris-Byrdsong, President Sheryl Feducia, Secretary EXECUTIVE STAFF Troy Raccuia, Director of Collective Bargaining Kelly Martinez, Director of Organizing & Member Services Amy O'Connor, Chief of Staff Megan Batchelder, Executive Assistant COMMUNICATIONS STAFF Renee Hamel, Communications Associate Director Bryan Chong, Communications Assistant and Inside Council 4 Editor 444 East Main St., New Britain, CT 06051 Phone: 860-224-4000 Email: membership@council4.org

“We discussed methods to communicate with members, such as email lists, social media, text messaging, newsletters, bulletin boards, websites, and most importantly, in-person communication,” Rob Raczka, AFSCME Local 318 (NP-3 State Clerical Administrative) Vice President

Council 4 members are getting organized and building power. In September, AFSCME International Union (IU) staff visited Council 4 to run a special training on New Hire Orientations. More than 30 leaders from various locals gathered in New Britain, learning with and from each other about onboarding new hires into our union and effective ways to engage our members.

Read more.

Council 4 Corrections members stand strong in wave of staff assaults, call for legislative action This past summer, Council 4 members working in our state’s correctional facilities endured a series of weekly consecutive staff assaults by inmates that left multiple members critically injured. In response, Council 4 Presidents and member leaders of AFSCME Locals 387, 1565, and 391 have been working together to call on legislators to immediately address the surge in assaults.

Read more.

From the AFSCME Blog President Saunders, AFSCME members picket with UAW members, show strong solidarity AFSCME Retirees convene for annual meeting, then lobby Congress A Never Quit winner realizes his dream of honoring Native Americans

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Inside Council 4 Volume 1I, Issue 1

We Make Connecticut Happen

July to September 2023

The path to justice for Danbury Housing Authority Workers: Steve Curran’s Legacy After a protracted fight over four years, Danbury Housing Authority workers (AFSCME Local 1303402) have made progress in their fight for justice.

With a labor board decision ordering negotiations to implement a proper salary schedule, Danbury Housing Authority workers finally have the opportunity to negotiate equal pay for equal work.

Notably, this was the final case argued by Council 4 Service Representative Steve Curran, who passed away last year in the midst of labor board hearings for this case.

Read more.

3 years after unionizing, Putnam secretaries win first contract and more flexibility When 12 administrative secretaries in the Putnam school district faced restrictions on using their vacation time, they did something no one expected – they formed a union. Three years after unionizing, they have a new contract, including the ability to use their vacation time on their own terms.

Read more.

Council 4 Paraeducators “the backbone of classrooms” win awards for teaching excellence Paraeducators are invaluable to the well-being and academic success of their students. They are the backbone of classrooms and critical to the overall functioning of their schools, yet the work they do is often overlooked. Recognizing paraeducators for the skills, compassion, and commitment they bring to students is important in elevating the profession and honoring them for their service. Four Council 4 paraeducators were highlighted this Fall by their school districts for going above and beyond in support of their students.

Read more.

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Inside Council 4 Volume 1I, Issue 1

We Make Connecticut Happen

July to September 2023

2023 Connecticut AFL-CIO Biennial Constitutional Convention Council 4 delegates and leadership attended the 15th biennial Connecticut AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention on September 14-15 this year. Among highlights such as hearing from Tony Clark, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association; and Rebecca Damon, Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA New York Local, Council 4 also received an award for outstanding new organizing.

In addition, Council 4 President Stacie Harris-Byrdsong, Executive Director Jody Barr, Council 4 Vice President and Local 704 Secretary Collen Carter, and Local 391 President Collin Provost (pictured below) were elected to the Connecticut AFL-CIO Executive Board for 2023-2025.

Organized Labor Night at the Yard Goats 2023 For 2023's Organized Labor Night at the Yard Goats, held annually Labor Day weekend, Wilfredo Medina (AFSCME Local 714 President) and Luis Lorenzo (AFSCME Local 233) represented Council 4 in some terrific first pitches!

Council 4 members and staff cheered our first pitches on.

We were joined by special guest U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, who signed some baseballs for our two first pitchers.

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Inside Council 4 Volume 1I, Issue 1

We Make Connecticut Happen

July to September 2023

Council 4 K-9s featured in CT Public Officer Heather McClelland and K-9 Chase (AFSCME Local 3428, Groton Police), as well as Officer Jay Bodell and K-9 Bear (AFSCME Local 1361, Middletown Police) were pictured in Connecticut Public along with other officers and their K-9 partners! “[They’re] part of a new trend in law enforcement across Connecticut: K-9s serving as support dogs. Instead of sniffing out drugs or tracking down suspects, [their] role focuses on community engagement and supporting victims. [They’re] also helping with officer wellness by supporting the police officers themselves.

SEBAC Higher Education Lobby Day at the Capitol Council 4 higher education members and retirees were at the Capitol with our SEBAC siblings, asking legislators to protect our public colleges and universities from budget cuts! Paul Morganti, President of AFSCME Local 1214 (Charter Oak State College); Sarah Ellis, Vice President of Local 1214, and retiree Ruth Krems talked to legislators with the support of Council 4 staff.

Hispanic Heritage Month Member Highlights and Civil Rights Committee Celebration Event

Latinas in public service are transforming communities and building more reflective democracy by working directly with the community and encouraging others to follow their steps to increase the number of Latinas in the workforce.

Representation is important to me, and we must always remember where we come from and how that history has shaped us in ways that others can’t understand.

Latinas earn more and have more protections when they belong to a union.

Mayra Cruz

AFSCME Local 269, Department of Labor

Council 4 celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month this year by featuring members such as Mayra Cruz (AFSCME Local 269) on our union social media. The Council 4 Civil Rights Committee also gathered in New Britain for a celebration, with a panel of Hispanic and Latino leaders, videos from members about their heritage, a documentary of famed labor leader Cesar Chavez, great food and a salsa class! Books about Cesar Chavez and other Hispanic and Latino leaders in the labor movement were given to children as well.

The panel featured Gilda Herrera, President of AFSCME Local 3144 (New Haven Professional Management Employees), IT Director for New Haven Board of Education; State Representative Manny Sanchez of New Britain; Alex Guzman, Council 4 organizer; and Richard Rivera, Council 4 Retirees member.

COUNCIL 4 FALL 2023 TRAINING SCHEDULE Chairing an Effective Meeting: ZOOM: Sat, Dec 9 Best practices on how to run an effective meeting. What to do prior, during and after meetings.

Council 4 and AFSCME History: ZOOM: Mon, Nov 27 Review the history of labor unions and AFSCME. Learn the critical role that AFSCME had in the history of labor unions.

Cybersecurity and Best Practices: ZOOM: Wed, Dec 5 Tips and best practices will be provided by Jonny Dailey, Council 4’s own IT expert. Learn some tips/tricks to help remain safe with your online experiences.

Direct Action Organizing: ZOOM: Wed, Nov 8; Sat, Nov 18 What to do when an issue is not a grievance. The power of and steps to escalate workplace issues that allow members to participate in direct action opportunity.

Duty of Fair Representation: ZOOM: Sat, Dec 16; Wed, Dec 20 A duty of fair representation includes a union’s responsibility to bargain for and to enforce the collective bargaining agreement, as well as process meritorious grievances filed by the employees within the bargaining unit.

Garrity Rights: ZOOM: Tue, Dec 12 Protects members from being compelled to incriminate themselves during investigatory interviews conducted by employers.

New Employee/Member Outreach for Leaders: ZOOM: Tue, Nov 14 / Tue, Dec 5 Designed for local leaders “Building Union Power from Day One.” Learn why it is so critical to talk to a new employee on their first day on the job! Learn best practices for effective new employee outreach. This training will guide you through Public Act 21-25, labor friendly laws that the employer must follow.

Officers/Ex Boards/Stewards-Roles and Responsibilities: ZOOM: Wed, Nov 15 / Wed, Dec 20 Review what Officers and Board members need to lead a strong, successful local. Including Officer roles and responsibilities, conducting effective meetings, assessing your membership and more.

Stewards Training: IN PERSON AT COUNCIL 4: Sat, Dec 2 This training will help you understand your rights as a steward while representing a member and will include and overview of the whole process, 5 steps of the process, proper investigations, asking the right questions, meeting timelines, fulfilling the duty of fair representation, guiding the grievant through the process.

Workers’ Compensation Review: ZOOM: Wed, Nov 29 Gain the knowledge of what needs to be done, review necessary forms, and best practices.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

The Connecticut AFL-CIO in collaboration with the Eastern and Western Area Labor Federations, is proud to announce the Labor Leadership Academy (LLA), a program designed to groom future leaders who will carry the torch of workers' rights and social justice. The LLA is a comprehensive training initiative aimed at empowering union members with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to become effective leaders both within the labor movement and in elected positions.

Here is an overview of what the LLA has to offer: Introductions and What is a Union Leader?

Common Sense Economics Legislative Action, Making Government Work for You Racial Justice: Upholding Racial Equity and Combating Racism Ultimate Engagement: Essentials of Effective Communication Organizing Is For Everyone Moving Mountains: Mobilizing for Change Boots on the Ground: The Fundamentals of Door Knocking Graduation at Labor Day Breakfast Council 4 was proud to have eight (8) graduates from last year’s LLA, and Council 4 local leaders are once again encouraged to nominate members of your local who you believe would benefit from and grow within the Labor Leadership Academy.

Nominated members should fill out the application form by Wednesday December 6, 2023 at 5pm. **Please note that the Labor Leadership Academy is absolutely free and requires participants to be sponsored by their Union local leadership.

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FORM

AFSCME Council 4's

December Executive Board and Delegates’ Meeting Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Casa Mia at the Hawthorne Inn 2421 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin CT Cocktail hour 6:00-7:00 pm (cash bar) Dinner at 7:00 pm, Dancing to follow This is a regularly scheduled Delegates meeting

YOU MUST RSVP to mcbatchelder@council4.org

BY NOVEMBER 10, 2023 at 5:00 pm

2023 HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

Council 4 is holding its annual Toy Drive and will be collecting new, unused, unwrapped toys and gift cards through December 9, 2023.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution, please make your check payable to The America Fund All local unions, individual members and employees of Council 4 can bring donations to Council 4 at 444 East Main St, New Britain between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm daily If you have any questions, please contact Megan Batchelder at Council 4 (860-224-4000) or mcbatchelder@council4.org

Thank you for your generosity and Happy Holidays!

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Inside Council 4 Volume 1I, Issue 1

We Make Connecticut Happen

July to September 2023

Upcoming Events

Check the website calendar for times and locations!

November 7: Election Day - Municipal General Election November 8: Council 4 Law Enforcement Awards Dinner November 8: Fall Training — Direct Action Organizing November 14: Fall Training — New Employee Outreach November 15: Fall Training — Officers Roles and Responsibilities November 18: Fall Training — Direct Action Organizing November 27: Fall Training — Council 4 and AFSCME History November 29: Fall Training — Workers’ Compensation Review December 2: Fall Training — Stewards Training In-Person December 5: Fall Training — Cybersecurity and Best Practices December 5: Fall Training — New Employee Outreach December 7: Council 4 Presidents +1 Meeting December 7: Council 4 Executive Board Meeting December 7: Council 4 Delegates Meeting December 7: Council 4 Retirees Holiday Party December 9: Fall Training — Chairing an Effective Meeting December 12: Fall Training — Garrity Rights December 16: Fall Training — Duty of Fair Representation December 20: Fall Training — Duty of Fair Represenation December 20: Fall Training — Officers Roles and Responsibilities

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