Inside Council 4 Newsletter 6.17.24

UUNION NION SSTRONG TRONG

With highlights from...

DCF Social Workers (Local 2663 and 3419)

Trumbull Police (Local 1745)

Region 20 School District (Local 75)

State Corrections (NP4)

West Haven Library (Local 393)... and more!

FROM COUNCIL 4 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FROM COUNCIL 4 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we wrap up spring and embrace this summer, I hope that you are doing well. Despite a “short” legislative session this year, our gains were anything but short – thanks to members across Council 4 mobilizing to the Capitol and advocating for good contracts, bargaining rights, better working conditions, more pay, affordable health care, and retirement security. Whether it is at the bargaining table or in the legislature, your union’s power only comes from your active participation remember, you are the Union! For more information about our wins this session, read our legislative session recap on Page 9 of this newsletter or at this link.

As we turn towards the summer, AFSCME’s 46th International Convention Call has gone out! From August 10th to 16th, AFSCME delegates from across the country will be gathering in Los Angeles for a week’s worth of discussion and debate, networking, skills learning, political action, and other activities – “to conduct the business of our union, to set priorities for the future, to renew our commitment to our work and to each other,” as said by our International President Lee Saunders and International Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride. The theme of this convention is “Front Line and Fearless,” building on last year ’ s Staff The Front Lines initiative to build up public service work nationwide. Contact your local leaders to learn more about the Convention!

Also happening this year are elections for Connecticut’s State Senate and House. Council 4’s PEOPLE Committee are fielding endorsement applications from candidates across the state and will consider endorsing pro-worker, pro-labor, pro-public sector candidates. As we recognize the importance of politics to our union, we also recognize politics can be divisive. Council 4's political process is run by our members through the PEOPLE committee. We believe that our union should never tell you who to vote for; that is a personal decision for you to make, based on your values. That said, it is our union’s job to inform you, as our members, which candidates support union members and support your ability to collectively bargain for your pay, pension, and health care. Contact our political department to get involved with Council 4's political process at political@council4.org.

In solidarity,

Jody Barr

Council 4 Executive Director

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

Ron Nelson, President

Sheryl Feducia, Secretary

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Troy Raccuia, Director of Collective Bargaining

Kelly Martinez, Director of Organizing & Member Services

Megan Batchelder, Executive Assistant

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF

Renee Hamel, Communications Associate Director

Bryan Chong, Communications Assistant and Inside Council 4 Editor

Phone: 860-224-4000

Email: membership@council4

INSIDE COUNCIL 4 3

Public Service Proud: Celebrating Social Workers (1/2)

by Bryan Chong, AFSCME Council 4 Communications

Social workers stand as a pillar of support, compassion, and advocacy for those who are the most marginalized in our communities This March, Council 4 highlighted incredible social work members for National Social Work Month.

Social workers work tirelessly, sometimes against overwhelming odds, to uplift those in need Department of Children and Families (DCF) state social workers, members of AFSCME Local 2663, are no different. Behind every success story, such as a family reuniting, a child or parent receiving the services they desperately need, or a child in foster care graduating high school, there stands a social worker dedicated to being the last line of defense, the last safety net to those who need it

Whether it is investigating cases of child abuse or neglect, conducting home visits, connecting clients to service providers, bussing kids, and more, DCF social workers are doing all they can every day to ensure that children are protected and given a fighting chance to succeed, no matter their family background.

Emma Martinez

Before Emma Martinez came to DCF in Connecticut, she was a college criminal justice major and interned with a police narcotics department in Texas. What she saw in one of her first drug busts changed the trajectory of her career forever:

“All I could follow, as police raided the house, was the history test paper in the kid’s room – a test that the kid had failed,” Martinez explained “That kid was handcuffed on the front lawn, and I knew our system had failed them. And I also knew that what I wanted to do was to help kids like that, instead of turning over laundry to look for drugs in people’s houses”

Martinez applies her expertise deftly to DCF work, noting how social work “is kind of an art” “You have to learn to shift gears constantly,” said Martinez. “Every case is a moving part, and you have to tap into each of those moving parts at least once per week”

The need to teach that art to new social workers is why Martinez co-chairs the Peer-to-Peer program at DCF Willimantic, a monthly virtual meeting where social workers have coffee and talk through all their cases and workplace problems together, with a collaboratively created agenda

“Our program is a safe space for development, growth, teamwork, and leaning on each other,” said Martinez “We solve problems creatively together and present a united front to management – like how can we support each other to complete our home visits, under the current shortage of state cars? How can a new worker manage 45 minute drives along with their work?”

For Martinez, the Peer-to-Peer program is the best example of union values in a workers uniting together to mak workplace for all, in a way that in recruitment and retention “Our backbone, and empowers us to t other,” she said

Sarah Austin worked five years with DCF in P l i b f i t C ti t February to May 2024 Volume IV, Issue 1

Public Service Proud: Celebrating Social Workers (1/2)

As a Black woman, Thornton also feels a profound sense of responsibility to support and uplift marginalized communities “As a Black social worker, I have a privilege and a duty,” she said. “I have been in situations where I am stigmatized, and that gives me more reason to speak out and speak against bias.”

Sarah Austin

With four years of experience co investigations for DCF and ten y health nonprofit work prior, Jalis leader at the Willimantic DCF of currently co-chair of the Social W Peer program with fellow social Martinez. Growing up, Thornton the impact of social workers on and resolved herself to follow in

“I got into social work with a des and advocate for people at their moments,” said Thornton, who w “Social Worker of the Month” b and her peers. “Everyone deserv resources to thrive, regardless o circumstances ”

Jalisa Thornton

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

Public Service Proud: Celebrating Social Workers

Public Service Proud: Celebrating Social Workers

by Bryan Chong & Renee Hamel, AFSCME Council 4 Communications

Adredess Mack

Adredess Mack is a social worker trainee who came to DCF six months ago as a veteran from Department of Developmental Services (DDS), following a calling to work directly with children and families. “I knew since college that I wanted to work at DCF – it’s not the coolest job by any means, but it’s a busy job where you get to touch a lot of people’s lives,” she said “It was a challenge that I felt ready to step up to.”

A big part of that challenge is the multifaceted nature of the job As Mack puts it, “Your day is never as you plan it You wear many hats – one minute I’m a therapist, another minute I’m a babysitter, or I’m a teacher You have to be whatever the family needs you to be, whether it’s a listening ear, or a voice of reason. ”

Another part is the enduring socioeconomic challenges for parents in Connecticut, which is where Mack empathizes deeply with her clients “I’m getting older. I was a single mom of five children – I’ve lived the struggle, so I know it’s not always something bad the parents did,” she explained “Mental health challenges are real, the housing crisis is real Those are real obstacles that end with families getting their children removed”

For Mack, empathy is the most vital skill that any social worker can have in navigating these obstacles. “I always put myself in the shoes of my clients: how would I want a social worker to treat me at the door, if I ever needed one? This job is about comforting that mom who had her guard up, the mom who might consider lying to you, but who opened up and was honest with you because you tried to understand her.”

As an older worker at the office with less DCF experience than her peers, Mack has a unique perspective on mentorship. “What the Peer-toPeer program does is make clear that there are no stupid questions at our office There are no questions or topics that we all know the answers to, regardless of our experience,” she said “Sometimes, seasoned people take useful feedback and advice from newbies like myself!”

Shannon Martin

Shannon Martin has worked for DCF for 24 years, 20 of those as an investigator While Martin was recently diagnosed with aphasia, a neurological disorder affecting her speech, she has continued her utmost dedication and commitment to her clients.

Martin was originally a 5th grade teacher, who decided to join DCF after she encountered a student she says, “who had a really bad night the night before.” “I met with [the student] during lunch to see how she was – but the principal told me that wasn’t my job,” recounted Martin “I wanted a job where every day I could check in and support those kids who are going through it The job is really hard and challenging, but I love it.”

As a DCF veteran, Martin knows the job like the back of her hand, especially how little time social workers have to accomplish al to do “We only have 45 days to do We talk to doctors, therapists, and t to see how the family is doing Then

Trung Le

Trung Le is a DCF Program Supervisor, where he has worked for 30 years He is also vice president of AFSCME Local 3419 (DCF Program Managers). Trung’s desire to become a social worker stems from his childhood. After the Vietnam war ended, he was in a refugee camp for 14 months before coming to the US as a refugee under the unaccompanied minor program

“We see them 3 times, 3 separate home visits per case, in 45 days When we get close to the end, we have to decide whether to close or keep the case open. If we keep the case open, we as investigators pass the case along to a social worker from on-going services.”

Despite the volume of cases, Martin is always committed to seeing them through The gratitude of clients has been a big part of what keeps her going every day, despite her diagnosis. “With disorders like mine, you can either shrink and close up from the world, or you can live life how you want to and be open about it,” Martin said proudly “I know I do my job so well with families – I have a lot of letters from past clients to prove it. And those letters remind me of how much more I have to give.”

“I came without family, without parents, without anybody,” Le said “And I went into a foster He also reco membership drive of the D years ago.

“Every day, you don't know what's waiting for you, ” Le said “You don't know what family needs your help We don’t know what child is out there that has been neglected by drug addicted or abused parents, or whatever family violence that they had to witness. I think it’s the most rewarding job. And, thanks to the union, I'm able to not only do what I love, but also make a living and be able to survive and live in America the way it should be ”

L-R: Adredess Mack, DCF Willimantic (AFSCME Local 2 Supervisors (AFSCME Local 3419), Shannon Martin, DCF

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

After decade-long fight Trumbull police officers After decade-long fight Trumbull police officers win back their pensions win back their pensions

by Renee Hamel, AFSCME Council 4 Communications

Members of the Trumbull Police Union

AFSCME Local 1745 accomplished a rare feat After losing their defined benefit pension plan in 2014 they won their pensions back.

Since the Great Recession in 2008, there has been a gradual trend of municipalities cutting their pensions for municipal employees, especially police officers Trumbull was no exception When Local 1745 started contract negotiations in 2011, the campaign to eliminate their pensions had already begun.

“Taking away pensions from municipal workers, especially cops and firefighters, was the political flavor of the day, not just in Trumbull but across the state and nationwide,” said Detective Sgt. Bobby Coppola, a 24-year Trumbull police officer who served as President from 2006 to 2022 and is currently union treasurer

Local 1745 leaders realized the threats to their pension were serious when the town proposed two options for their 2011-2015 contract negotiations: give up pensions for new hires or accept a 15% reduction in all current pensions, 6 - 7% increases in contributions and a change in calculations from highest percentage to last three years of average salary.

“We tried to negotiate and come up with different ideas, but the town was adamant about it,” Coppola said “Bottom line after it was all said and done it was a political decision to take away our pensions.”

The local tried to lessen the damage. Members settled in mediation to save current members from having highly reduced pensions and also secured raises and extra holiday pay; delayed implementation of the new 401(a) a retirement savings plan for government employees until the last year of the contract; and arranged for the town to hire more officers to ensure the Trumbull Police Department would be fully staffed

But within a few years, the consequences of the town’s pension decisions hit.

According to current Local 1745 President Sgt. Brian Federowicz, 16 Trumbull officers resigned over the last four years to work with other departments that offered pensions. At one point they were down 25 officers out of their 70-member bargaining unit due to resignations and various types of leave

“It's frustrating when you're putting all this time and effort to train this person, to make them the best police officer, and then all of a sudden they resign and go somewhere else.” said Federowicz “It starts to wear out the officers ”

Pension opponents in Connecticut often backed by corporations and billionaires, such as the Connecticut Yankee Institute, remain vocal and steadfast in their attempts to dismantle public employee pensions. Coppola and Federowicz are just a few of the chorus of police officers and public employees pushing back on their rhetoric to protect pensions Their fight will serve as a lesson to other towns that any reduction or removal of pensions has serious pitfalls that can take several years to reverse

The loss of seasoned officers took a toll on the entire department Gradually, fewer qualified candidates applied, and more and more officers have been ordered to work nonstop double shifts because of shortages.

“We told the town that people are not going to be apt to put an application into Trumbull when at least 8 surrounding towns still have pensions,” said Coppola. “We saw other police departments become a jump off for other departments when they switched to 401(k)s We said, ‘Maybe not in the immediate future, but in the next 10 years we're going to have problems with retention We're not going to be able to compete ’ And sure enough, that happened.”

The tide began to turn when new town leaders were elected Local 1745 members worked with them and discovered that bringing back a defined benefit pension plan was not only feasible but affordable. At the end of 2023, the Trumbull Town Council voted unanimously to restore the police pension plan.

“If you want to retain the best qualified people working for public safety, the best thing to do is offer a pension because that’s the best security and retirement. Pensions attract the best-qualified candidates,” Coppola said.

Federowicz agrees “If you put all these years into public service, you should be rewarded A pension is the appreciation from the town to thank you for your years of dedicated service.”

Council 4's Political and Legislative Department, led by Associate Directors Brian Anderson and Zak Leavy, remain committed to the fight at the Connecticut State Capitol for legislation that would require all municipalities to offer pensions to police officers Contact them to learn more about what you can do to protect public service pensions at political@council4.org.

Members of Trumbull Police Union, AFSCME Local 1745

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

February to May 2024 Volume IV, Issue 1

Region

20 School District Employees

Region 20 School District Employees

are “grateful

are “grateful and proud” to welcome new era and contract and proud” to welcome new era and contract

by Renee Hamel, AFSCME Council 4 Communications

For most union locals it is standard practice that every few years a contract is negotiated. When it comes to AFSCME Local 75 (Region 20 School District) their members welcomed a new contract on top of having a new president, employer and organized local – all within a year

Starting in July when their contract goes into effect, 102 members of Local 75 will see firsthand the benefits of union membership. Half of the members, who work as educational assistants, administrative assistants, school nurses, tech support and custodians, are new to being in a union.

It will also mark the start of the Region 20 School District, a combined school system comprising of Board of Education employees from Litchfield (formerly Local 1303-392) and Region 6 School District which includes the towns of Warren, Morris, and Goshen.

Although the transformation took several years, it paved the way for expansion of the Local and their collective power since former Region 6 employees were unorganized. With the daunting task of forming a new union, organizing members, and finalizing a contract, Local 75 President Barbara Sanford stepped up last October after their former president retired after 17 years.

Sanford, a 23-year Litchfield Public Schools educational assistant, helped organize the local by visiting schools and speaking to nonmembers about joining the union in anticipation of the new school district forming. These efforts were led by the Council 4 Organizing team and Litchfield BOE Staff Representative Attorney Tricia Johnson.

Sanford’s active leadership has paid off in many ways. She is excited that she can name 90% of the members – a quality she says helps them feel worthy and important during membership meetings She has also fostered cohesion throughout the negotiations process by ensuring the negotiations team included members representing each job within the bargaining unit and both school districts It’s an experience that has given her a new outlook, one that elevates the significance of meeting in the middle

“It was a learning process in a lot of ways, ” Sanford said “One group might want this, and another group might want that, but we're all in the same contract. And so how do we move through that? The contract addresses all these different job titles and 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees Overall, we managed to make it work And I think everybody is happy with it ”

The 3-year contract, ratified in March by an overwhelming majority (69 – 1), includes the following benefits and was led by Tricia Johnson, Council 4 staff representative attorney: 10-14% total wage increase

Creation of retirement plan with 4% match 15 paid holidays including a floating holiday Juneteenth

Stipends for educational assistants, nurses and custodial/maintenance

Longevity pay, sick leave bank, and “happy cash” for good attendance

Aside from taking on new roles as president, organizer, and serving on the negotiations team, Sanford has activated members –specifically educational assistants also known as paraeducators - to be involved politically.

This past legislative session she testified for an Education Committee public hearing in support of higher wages for paraeducators, mobilized other paraeducators to submit testimony, talked with her state legislators, and attended Governor Lamont’s proclamation signing for Paraeducator Appreciation Week

“[When speaking with legislators] it's good to hear someone say that your job is really difficult and not everybody could do your job,” Sanford said. “To have them say, we look forward to talking and working with you more makes me feel like what I do does matter It’s acceptance ”

Sanford’s experiences as an educational assistant supporting students and raising her sons as a single mom have fueled her passion of fighting for justice for her members and all paraeducators She is not alone in her story of struggling to make ends meet but her desire to inspire others towards action and set an example of being an active union member and not merely a bystander is exceptional.

“Some people say, I can speak up, but nothing's going to change, or it doesn't matter,” Sanford explained. “Well, I disagree. Speaking up for myself and others does make a difference. And if I want to see change, I need to be a part of the change ” She added, “Being a part of the union is life changing And working as an [educational assistant] pushes me to fight for it too, because I do love it.”

L-R: Susan Leigh (Secretary) Julia Turtoro (Treasurer), April Saade (Vice President), Barbara Sanford (President), and Tricia Johnson (Council 4 Staff Representative Attorney) on March 6 after members overwhelmingly ratifed their first contract as a new local

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

AFSCME International: Corrections demand improvements

AFSCME International: Corrections demand improvements amid staffing, safety concerns in Connecticut facilities amid staffing, safety concerns in Connecticut facilities

by Aaron Gallant, AFSCME International Union Public Safety

Corrections officers who are members of AFSCME Council 4 showed up in force at the Connecticut capital to demand changes that will improve safety and staffing levels in the state’s corrections facilities

Carrying signs that read “Respect Those Who Protect,” Council 4 members and retirees took part in a rally on April 10 and held a press conference at the State Capitol building to ask their elected representatives to do just that

“Staff assaults were up 56% in 2023 while the inmate population has been reduced,” said Officer Mike Vargo, president of AFSCME Local 1565. “We are being asked to do more without the proper resources and adequate preparation needed to minimize the rate and severity of assaults ”

Respect for these AFSCME corrections officers means passing a 2.5% wage and step increase to retain qualified professionals, creating more staff posts in facilities and restoring sanctions for inmates who assault COs and their fellow inmates

“Stress, anxiety and trauma are taking a severe toll on our well-being,” said Officer Sherine Bailey, executive board member of AFSCME Local 391 “With the rigorous demands and risks we face, the base-level pay fails to reflect the gravity of our work.”

It’s clear that these AFSCME members will keep fighting alongside one another until safety and staffing issues are resolved Public safety professionals are increasingly turning to AFSCME to build power at work, and to advocate for safety on the job, better wages, good health care and a secure retirement AFSCME members in corrections, law enforcement and emergency response defend our freedoms and those of the communities we serve.

Thanks to the advocacy of Corrections members and their fellow Council 4 state members, the SEBAC wage re-opener passed the state legislature overwhelmingly for a 2.5% wage and a step increase.

Communications

Speaker: Officer Mike Vargo, President, AFSCME Local 1565

Speaker: Officer Lisa Hodges, Trustee, AFSCME Local 391

Speaker: Officer Sherine Bailey, Executive Board member, AFSCME Local 391

Speaker: Officer Brian Larson, Vice President, AFSCME Local 387

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

AFSCME International: West Haven Librarian & AFSCME International: West Haven Librarian &

Never Quit Winner creates connections among strangers

Never Quit Winner creates connections among strangers

by Pete Levine, AFSCME

The West Haven Library in West Haven, Connecticut, is a melting pot Patrons of all different backgrounds and ages step foot through its doors. But no matter who visits the library, Carrie Bryant, a member of AFSCME Local 393 (Council 4), says she wants them to feel “ seen and heard ”

“One thing I want to get across is that the library is much needed in the community,” said Bryant, a children’s library associate who’s been at the West Haven Library for nearly 11 years. “It’s a sense of community a place for both adults and children to meet each other and have a safe place ”

Bryant has seen patrons grow from kids to high school graduates, and throughout her tenure at West Haven Library, she’s strived to nurture a sense of connection, learning and, most importantly, fun

Bryant started at the library as a part-time library assistant, helping librarians with programming. But as she took on more responsibilities, she was given the role of children’s library associate.

“I wanted to create programs that were diverse,” Bryant says “The great thing about it is everyone seems to be interested in learning about one another.”

A party for the Muslim holiday, Eid-al-Fitr, drew community members from all different backgrounds The program was a hit, says Bryant

According to Enrique Feliciano, who is the library’s part-time custodian, and who nominated Bryant for AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award, “Carrie is always faithful to the library. She always goes above and beyond. The parents and children love her. They call her ‘Ms. Carrie.’”

Feliciano says that Bryant strives to run programs that will improve patrons’ lives, teaching them about things like nutrition or exercise That’s in addition to more traditional literary events, games, crafts and more.

International Union Communications

It was no surprise to Feliciano, then, that Bryant was recognized two years ago with Connecticut’s Support Staff of the Year Award.

“Carrie is bubbly,” says Felciano. “She serves you with a smile I’ve never in the two years that I’ve been there seen her mad, never heard her say anything negative about anyone. ”

Bryant, however, isn’t one to take credit for making West Haven Library a thriving local hub

“It’s a great team at the library,” she says “We all work really well together I’m motivated by my co-workers, they also want to make the library a better place.”

While West Haven’s success is clearly the result of a great team, it always helps to have a standout player on the team, leading the way by example

Enrique Feliciano, West Haven Library custodian and member of AFSCME Local 393

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

2024 Legislative Session 2024 Legislative Session brings wins for Council 4 workers brings wins for Council 4 workers

by Renee Hamel, AFSCME Council 4 Communications

The Connecticut General Assembly ended their legislative session on May 8 Although this year was a “short” session, the gains made in getting laws passed that protect Council 4 members’ bargaining rights, working conditions, pay, health care, and retirement security were anything but short.

Plenty of Council 4 members testified during public hearings and even more attended this year ’ s Lobby Day on April 17 or wrote to their legislators to pass certain bills. They worked in tandem with the Council 4 Legislative and Political team led by Brian Anderson and Zak Leavy to achieve significant wins for working people across the state

Here are highlights from 2024's legislative session:

BudgetWins

Extended the time frame for aid to distressed municipalities and made some small increases to these municipalities This has the potential to support municipal members at the bargaining table An agreement between the StateEmployee BargainingAgentCoalition(SEBAC) and Lamont administration was approved by the legislature for the 2024-2025 wage reopener for 45,000 state employees represented by 35 bargaining units (9 of which are Council 4 state locals). State employees will receive a 2.5% general wage increase and step increase starting July 1, 2024

Health Care / FMLA

$5 million to assist paraeducators with reimbursement for HSA/HDHP health care plans and continues the program another year Another $5 million was added to help paraprofessionals with premium costs who are enrolled in health plans that are not HSA or in the Partnership Plan. This will help lower the cost for health insurance as many paraprofessionals have premiums as high as 20 percent Statutory language was also changed to now refer to paraprofessionals as paraeducators and properly recognize their role as educators

All non-certified school staff will now qualify for FMLA coverage at a 950 hourly threshold as opposed to a 1250-1050 threshold Typically, noncertified school staff are school support staff without a professional certification such as secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals, and cafeteria workers.

Department of Corrections employees are now covered under the peer support team confidentiality law that already existed for police officers. This change helps to eliminate a barrier for correctional employees to participate in PTSD treatment support teams and ensure they receive the mental and emotional support needed to reduce the high rates of stress they consistently face on the job

Retirement Security for Municipal Employees

Legislation passed that works towards making the CMERS pension more accessible for towns and cities that currently do not provide officers with pensions. We also furthered our long-term attempt to ensure that every municipal police officer receives a pension

Higher Education

$80 million with the possibility of $20 million more this fall was approved for the CT State College and University System (CSCU) which includes all community colleges and state regional universities. This is an increase in ARPA funding from $48.8 million to $128.8 million in 2024-25, but it also requires that if an additional $40 million in ARPA funds is identified by the administration, those transferred to highe going to CSCU and the next state budge deficit.

The UConn Healt receive $48 million n increase of $22.3 mi allocation.

Judicial Employee

Court monitors who courthouses within t transcribe court pro increase for fees per non-public officials th This legislation is inte financially for private

Public Safety Employees

This year we helped pass legislation codifying the establishment of The Fallen Officer Fund which would provide $100,000 non-taxable payment to the surviving family or beneficiary of any Connecticut police officer who dies from injuries sustained on duty

Council 4 members, staff, and allies will continue to advance workers’ rights and benefits by ensuring we elect state legislators this fall who will be a voice for working families and in support of public employees, which includes efforts to expand and strengthen public services and bargaining rights for all workers.

Sue Shatney, Counselor for the Deaf and AFSCME Local 2663 member, advocates for more services for the deaf community

State Marshals, AFSCME Local 2193, at the Legislative Office Building to testify for expanded health care coverage

Ofc Tony Zona, Stratford police officer and AFSCME Local 407 member, testified about the need for police pensions

Council 4 members rocked the AFSCME green all over the State Capitol on April 17, talking to legislators about what they can do to support public service workers. These priorities included: FMLA for non-certified school staff; living wages for paraeducators; more DOL wage and hour inspectors; portal to portal coverage for DPW workers; passing the SEBAC contracts, and more. February to May 2024

MEMBERS IN ACTION

Council 4 Lobby Day Council 4 Lobby Day

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

February to May 2024

MEMBERS IN ACTION

SUOAF and NP-3 members speak to protect SUOAF and NP-3 members speak to protect public higher education and UConn Health public higher education and UConn Health

Protecting public higher education from budget cuts and UConn Health from privatization were key fights this past legislative session. Council 4 leaders spoke in testimony and on panels to support these campaigns, including Jon Derman, Vice President of the State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF), AFSCME Local 2836; and Kim Brown, President of State Clerical Region #2, AFSCME Local 196 To read more about the ongoing fight to protect UConn Health, click here.

JJonDerman onDerman VicePresident, VicePresident,AFSCMELocal2836 AFSCMELocal2836

SStateUniversityOrganizationof tateUniversityOrganizationof AdministrativeFaculty(SUOAF) AdministrativeFaculty(SUOAF)

Council 4 Paraeducators fight for

4 Paraeducators fight

for living wages, recognized with Governor’s Proclamation recognized with Governor’s Proclamation Council 4 paraeducators have been mobilizing across the state in their continuing fight for living wages, from lobbying at the State Capitol in Hartford, to joint pickets in Waterford.

living wages, Council

Pictured top right: Waterford and Stonington paraeducators with Gov. Lamont after signing a proclamation declaring Paraeducator Appreciation Week in April 2024 Bottom right: AFSCME Locals 1303-209 (Waterford Paraeducators) and 1996 (Stonington Paraeducators) demonstrating solidarity in the fight for living wages for paras with an informational picket outside Waterford Town Hall.

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

February to May 2024

MEMBERS IN ACTION

Orlando Mercado, President of AFSCME Local 1716 (Hartford City Employees) & Council 4 Executive Board Member, spoke at a Hartford City Council meeting to urge Council members to protect budgeted overtime that will retain city employees that keep Hartford running.

Council 4 Board of Education employees are speaking up across the

L-R: Brooke Carta, President of AFSCME Local 1467 Middletown School Employees, spoke at a Middletown Common Council meeting to urge elected officials to properly fund public education

Council 4 paraeducators and custodians rallied with New Haven Federation of Teachers to demand fully funded schools from the New Haven Board of Alders Hyclis Williams, President of New Haven Paraeducators, AFSCME Local 3429, spoke at this rally and press conference; beside her is Diane Guz, New Haven para and member.

Hyclis Williams President, AFSCME Local 3429 New Haven Paraeducators

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

February to May 2024

SOLIDARITY CORNER

Standing with our allies!

Pictured below: AFSCME Local 1565 (NP4 State Corrections) member Matt Quigley supporting Connecticut State Building Trades in pursuing a Planned Labor Agreement (PLA) with the City of Norwich.

With our support, Norwich City Council voted to approve the PLA, which would guarantee that Building Trades' union labor is used for 5 school projects over the next 6 years.

Pictured above: A letter from Council 4

Executive Director Jody Barr, uplifting the struggle of Emerson Tenants Union to achieve housing justice at their building in New Haven.

Emerson tenants have been enduring worsening conditions with rising rent, and that must stop now.

GIVING BACK CORNER

Local 1029 Enfield Town Employees

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

L-R: Norwalk Police Union, Local 1727; New London Police Union, Local 724; East Windsor Police Union, Local 3583

L-R: Local 1029 sponsors Little League Baseball Team; Members playing in Enfield High School unified sports tournament

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

February to May 2024 Volume IV, Issue 1

COUNCIL 4 STAFF RETIREMENTS

Thank you for your service!

Council 4 is saying farewell to two dedicated staff members and cheering them onto retirement: Diane Trifone, Financial Coordinator; and Betsey Grady, Membership Coordinator.

Betsey (left) and Diane (right) both served for over 8 years with Council 4. Prior to Council 4, Diane worked for the former AFSCME Council 15 and Betsey with AFT-Connecticut. Thank you for your hard work for our union members and staff each and every day of those 8 years.

We congratulate Steve Carbone, Council 4 Service Representative, who retired after 18 years supporting NP-4 Corrections members Steve started at New Haven Correctional Center for a year as a member of Local 1565 before transferring to Cheshire Correctional Institute where he worked until retirement from state service He served as a Steward, Executive Board member and President from ‘97 – ‘98 for AFSCME Local 387.

“Steve is a person with the utmost and highest integrity. He’s the most honest and honorable person, I have had the privilege to work with As a service representative he always had the right answer and always put the interests of our members first ” – Rudy Demiraj, Council 4 Service Representative and former President Local 387

“Steve’s historical knowledge and reference was beyond compare and even exceeded people who have worked for DOC for 20 years. He is a consummate professional.” – Jason Wells, Council 4 Staff Representative

INSIDE COUNCIL 4

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

June 19: Juneteenth (Council 4 office closed)

June 22: Civil Rights Committee Annual Juneteenth Cookout

June 27-28: Connecticut AFL-CIO Political Convention

July 4: Independence Day (Council 4 office closed)

July 11: Council 4 Executive Board Meeting

August 12-16: AFSCME 46th International Convention

August 13: State Primary Election

September 2: Labor Day (Council 4 office closed)