UUNION NION SSTRONG TRONG
FROM COUNCIL 4 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FROM COUNCIL 4 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we come to the end of another year, we reflect on our wins and losses as a union. Like most elections, this one was a mixed bag. In Connecticut, pro-labor candidates that our union endorsed and supported did overwhelmingly well. This result is because Council 4 members put in the hard work and refused to just be bystanders.
Thank you to all the members who volunteered for the 2024 labor-to-labor program. We knocked doors, wrote letters, and made calls in support of candidates who shared our values for good wages, pensions, and healthcare for all of our members. Your efforts helped Connecticut elect strong worker-friendly majorities, compared to the rest of the country, that will support funding for services and staffing at state, municipal, and will join us an continue ross the bers have od pension eat back iminate our workers.
This fight is why promoting, protecting and restoring pensions will be among our main goals at the State Capitol, when the 2025 Connecticut General Assembly session begins on January 8. Our tasks ahead will be made more challenging at the federal level, the results elected a president and majority in the Senate and House of Representatives that have not been supportive of public employee unionization, overtime pay, and funding of state and local governments.
Going forward we must be assertive and vigilant. We must loosen the state fiscal roadblocks under the assumption that the federal grants sent to Connecticut by the Biden administration will now be greatly reduced. We must urge Governor Lamont and state legislators to make up for this incoming loss in federal funds. We will urge them to respect and honor the work that our members do by making sure that our wages, pensions, and healthcare are protected. I look forward to working with you in this ongoing fight.
As always, thank you for all you do to serve our communities. We wish you a joyous, safe, and prosperous holiday season and New Year.
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
TJ Clarke II, Chief of 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 444 East Main St ,
Phone: 860-224-4000
Email: membership@council4.org
INSIDE COUNCIL 4 3
June to December 2024
Un-Quiet Corner: Putnam Custodians Beat Privatization Un-Quiet Corner: Putnam Custodians Beat Privatization
And Save Union Jobs with Labor-Tenant Solidarity
And Save Union Jobs with Labor-Tenant Solidarity
by Bryan Chong, AFSCME Council 4 Communications
Last fall, trouble started brewing in Putnam, a town of 7,000 in the northeast “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut. ABM Industries, a corporate custodial subcontractor hired by Putnam Public Schools (PPS) in 2021, had fired three Putnam school custodians without cause. This included Dan McGinley, former President of Putnam Custodians Union (AFSCME Local 1303-487), which represents about ten custodians
McGinley had faithfully served PPS for 12 years without any record of discipline, and was affectionately nicknamed “The Sweeper” by Putnam students – so his termination came as a shock But Putnam custodians were not going to roll over without a fight
ABM Industries has a notorious record of labor violations across the U.S.– from wage theft, to sexual harassment and abusing workers. The unjust firing of Putnam custodians fit squarely into ABM’s pattern of gross mismanagement and anti-union behavior, and also renewed attention to the ills of outsourcing and privatization.
“One of our members had been waiting almost 200 days for their stolen wages to be returned,” explained McGinley “This is in line with ABM’s history of over 100 labor violations resulting in penalties of over $200 million for wage theft and safety violations.”
“They cut my pay, asked me to reapply for my job, and claimed I wasn't an employee cutting me down to $14 per hour,” said Sandra Hublitz, Putnam High second shift custodian and Local 1303487 Vice President. “I had to fight every step of the way They retro[-actively paid] me for one month out of almost the whole year they owed me ”
Council 4 Staff Rep. Cherlyn Poindexter and Service Rep. John Cole filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against ABM to begin the fight for restitution to McGinley and his fellow custodians
On November 14, McGinley spoke during a Putnam Board of Education (BOE) meeting to highlight the harm of taxpayer money going to ABM and demonstrate how privatization is “bad for taxpayers, bad for public services and bad for workers.” He was joined by Council 4 staff and Cargill Tenants Union leaders Katy Slininger and Andrew Larson and their son Noah, a PPS student.
McGinley and Putnam custodians were not alone in their working class resistance against exploitation in the area. Cargill Tenants Union, an organization of tenants in Putnam fighting for protections of renters, found natural solidarity with the struggle of Putnam custodians. Their union comprised PPS students and public school teachers, including Larson, a Killingly teacher and member of the State Vocational Federation of Teachers (SVFT), AFT Local 4200A
Hearing the voices of labor and tenant union members, Putnam BOE with PPS Superintendent Steven Rioux, voted at a January meeting to end their contract with ABM – thus returning the custodians to being public sector workers under the direct employment of the BOE, which took effect in June. This decision was a nearly unprecedented victory for the public sector labor movement, since public work that gets outsourced tends to stay outsourced. This victory demonstrated the potential of workers recognizing their power to speak up and refusing to give up.
The transition also gave Putnam custodians the opportunity to renegotiate their contract, resulting in significant improvements: a 2.5% general wage increase on top of a preexisting 2% increase, a proper disciplinary process, and the ability of custodians to join the preexisting pension plan for Putnam town employees. This new contract was ratified unanimously by Local 1303-487 members on June 18, and was followed immediately by Jamie Bilodeau and ublitz getting sworn in respectively as and Vice President.
d someone here to represent the d fight for them, and I’m proud to or my coworkers," said Bilodeau, a Putnam Elementary custodian.
ped me out on a lot of major th pay He motivated me to step elp others,” added Hublitz “I’m th the contract, especially since we can renegotiate for next year. We are hoping to get more back from ABM.
Cargill Tenants Union is also celebrating this victory with Putnam custodians, illuminating hope for labor-tenant solidarity and more victories for union workers and union tenants – together.
“Workers have struggled as rents rise; tenants have felt the brunt of stagnating wages, ” said Larson “Recognizing our struggles as common to the working class unlocks possibilities for cooperation that will make a better future possible for all of us. ”
Right: Sandra Hublitz and Jamie Bilodeau, Putnam Custodians Union Vice President and President
INSIDE COUNCIL 4 4
June to December 2024
Staff Representative Roberta Price Retires
Staff Representative Roberta Price Retires
After More Than 4 Decades in CT Labor Movement After More Than 4 Decades in CT Labor Movement
by Renee Hamel, AFSCME Council 4 Communications
RobertaPriceofficiallyretiredthissummerafter 36yearsasastateemployee including11years asPresidentofAFSCMELocal610(NP-3/State AdministrativeClerical) andanadditional11 yearsasaCouncil4staffer.
Inrecognitionofherdedicatedcareer,the ConnecticutGeneralAssemblyhonoredPrice withanofficialcitationforher“faithfulservice”in “fightingforsafeworkingconditionsandadecent wayoflifeforConnecticutcitizens”
Price’s union journey began in 1975 as a clerk typist at Norwich State Hospital, coinciding with the year Connecticut state employees won collective bargaining rights. Surrounded by supportive colleagues, she found fulfillment in serving the forensic population, but her aspirationsgrew
She started her union involvement as a steward for Local 610, which transitioned from the CT State Employees Association to an independent union, eventually becoming chartered with AFSCME in 1982. Price fondly recalls this as “the besttimeevertobeastateemployee.”
A pivotal moment came when Mike Ferruci, Council 4 Executive Director from 1997 to 2001, encouraged her to take on a more active role in the union With Ferruci’s nurturing, new doors opened for Roberta, who saw herself at the time as just a young 20-year-old girl from Ledyard who frequently hung out at the beach. Her world was confined to the southeastern corner of the state, and she was not even familiar with New Britain, where Council 4's headquartersarelocated
“When he said I was going to be the face of AFSCME,hewasn’tkidding,”shesaid.
“HeknewsomethingthatIdidn’t OnceIgot going,Ineverturnedback.Don’taskmewhy,but Ialwaysattendedmymembershipmeetings.Ihad astrongsenseofduty.”
AfterGovernorLowellWeickertookofficein 1991,Pricejoinedthestatebargainingnegotiating committeeandlaterbecamePresidentofLocal 610 Throughouthertenure,shefought relentlesslyforclericaladministrativemembers, notablyadvocatingforNP-3membersin correctionalmanagedhealthcarewithUConn whocalledtoaskwhethertheyhadtocometo workduringaseverewinterstormintheearly 2000s ShecontactedGovernorRowlanddirectly whendepartmentadministratorswere unresponsive,defyingthechainofcommand withoutregrets
“Itwastheirwayofsaying,‘It’snotourproblem; youfigureitout,’”shesaid.“Iwasalittlewildchild inthosedaysbecauseIwouldgetitdone.Ididn't knowhowIwasgoingtogetitdone,butIdid I didwhateverIhadtodo”
Throughouthertenure,Robertawitnessedmany challenges,includingmassivelayoffs,the introductionoftechnologythatrenderedmany clericaljobsobsolete,andpersistentissueswith statebudgetsthatreducedthenumberofof clericalmembersfrom10,000toabout2,500 “Insteadofhavingthebrainpowertomanagefiscal crisesinaconstructiveway,"Pricesaid,"theytook theeasyrouteandjuststartedlayingpeopleoff ratherthantryingtofixit Itwasarealhardshipon theagencies.”
Despitethesechallenges,Pricehasalwaysbelieved inthepowerofunionstosupportworkers.“If youdon'thavetheunion,youhavenomiddle class,”shesaid “Ifyoudon'thavesomeone negotiatingonhealthcare,pensions,andpay the mostimportantthings thenyoudon'thaveas goodofafuture Ourunionhastobestrong,and peoplereallyhavetounderstandthatthebest situationyoucouldbeinistobeinaunion.”
In2013,PricejoinedCouncil4,retiringasastaff representativeafterleadingnegotiationsfor multiplecontractsandsupportingNP-3 presidents HeatherLongo-Racicot,aCouncil4 staffrepresentative,workedalongsideRobertaas aservicerepresentativeformanyyearsandsees herasmorethanjustateammateandmentor.
“Roberta’sdedicationtotheNP-3bargainingunit isunwavering,”saidLongo-Racicot
“Theguidanceandinstitutionalknowledgeshehas sharedareinvaluable,andherfriendshipand patiencearepriceless”
JodyBarr,Council4ExecutiveDirector,echoed thecontributionsRobertahasmade.“Thepassion forpublicserviceRobertahasshownthroughout hercareer,coupledwithherwealthofunion wisdom,isnotonlyrarebutunmatched,”said Barr “Wecan’tthankherenoughforgoingabove andbeyondforourmembers Ourmovementis strongerandbetteroffthankstoherleadership It’snowondershewaspraisedbyallNP-3 presidentslastyear,whodescribedherasa mentor,rolemodel,therapist,andfriend.”
Roberta’sfondestmemoriesincludetheactive unionrolesshetookon.Fromservingonthe Women’sCommitteeinDC andtheCredentials CommitteeforAFSCME’sInternational Conventionstocanvassingforlabor-endorsed candidates,suchasSenatorCathyOstenin Norwich,therewasnoshortageofwaysshewas willingtoshowthatunionismhappensthrough activismandparticipation,notfromthesidelines. SheevenonceintroducedthelateGerryMcEntee, AFSCMEPresidentfor31years,duringan InternationalConvention
“Thatwasprettyneat,”sherecalled “I'llnever forget Ihadtogointotheconventionhalland giveaspeech,andtheyhadtoadjustmyvoice.We hadsomegreatconventionsandalotof camaraderiebetweenallthestates.Iwasgivena lotofopportunitiesbytheunion.”
Whetherprovidingardentsupportformembers andleadersduringheatedcontractnegotiationsor navigatingbudgetdilemmasthatshookupstate employment,Robertahasseenherfairshareof battles.Assheleavesherrole,Price’sparting messageemphasizesunity;apracticemembersand theStatealikecanlearnfrom,especiallyasstate employeewage,healthcare,andpension negotiationsareunderway
“Thedivide-and-conquermentality,”shesaid,“is notagoodphilosophyandnotagoodwaytodo business Weneedtofindcommonground becauseifwecan’t,we’llneverfixanything.”
Sheadded,“It'snotanall-or-nothingworld.Weall havetolandsomewherewecanallliveandget along Worktogetherforthecommongoalofthe members;that’sthebigthing”
L-R: Council 4 Service Representative Heather Longo-Racicot & Roberta Price proudly holding the official citation during her retirement party at the Pond House Cafe in West Hartford in July 2024
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
A Hall of Fame Detective Changes A Hall of Fame Detective Changes Perspectives About Policing Perspectives About Policing
by Pete Levine, AFSCME International Union Communications
Forget the stereotype of the sly, hard-bitten TV detective Yes, Middletown, Connecticut, Detective Karli Travis is tough and smart, but her job is as much about lifting people up as it about taking down bad guys.
Travis came to the Middletown Police Department eight years ago with a degree in mental health counseling and psychology
“I thought mental health was important (for) police officers,” said Travis, a member of Local 1361 (Council 4). “And police departments around the country want more knowledge and understanding of mental health among police officers to better serve their communities ”
Travis spent five years as a patrol officer and then moved to the department’s special investigations unit, focusing on cases involving sexual assault, crimes against children, and missing people
That, in turn, led her to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a nationwide law enforcement program aimed at investigating the dark nexus of the internet and the exploitation of children
“I love my position as a detective, working with child victims of sexual assault, because those are often the hardest cases to manage and get justice for the victims,” said Travis. “Those are the victims who can’t speak up I’ll do everything I can so they can sleep better at night That’s why I like to wake up and do my job.”
On top of that, Travis spearheads Middletown’s car seat technician program People from Middletown and nearby communities can come by the police station where Travis or a fellow officer will install their car seat for free.
“We’ll also provide car seats free of charge for families who are undergoing financial hardships, so they have one less thing to worry about in an already stressful time,” she said.
In short, Travis’ career mirrors that of many other AFSCME public safety professionals: community-first, multifaceted and performed with quiet professionalism
But that’s only one of the hats Travis wears.
She also helps run Middletown’s “cadet” program, mentoring kids from 13 to 21 years of age who are interested in becoming first responders, giving them real-world experience.
“It’s very rewarding,” Travis said
For her bravery, Travis was inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame After a rigorous application review, she was honored with the Courage in Service Award.
“It was amazing,” Travis said “It was a huge honor, and I met a lot of people there who also deserve that award as well ”
Travis credits her union with securing the care and time off she needed after the traumatic attack And she hopes her story can be a lesson for the public about the work police professionals like her do
However, last August, Travis was launched into the public eye when she took a call on an early, sunny Saturday morning She was helping out on a midnight-to-8 a.m. patrol shift, a departure from her plainclothes detective work.
Responding to a call about an individual breaking glass, Travis located a man coming out of a home holding a claw hammer Her body camera footage showed her calmly asking him to put the hammer down; he refused. She asked again, but before she knew it, the man charged at her. He struck Travis, knocking her to the ground and continued to assault her with the hammer as she fired at him several times in self-defense
Wounded, the man retreated into the home, where he was eventually captured by other officers. Travis was treated and released from a hospital. The man was also treated at a hospital and was charged with assault on an officer, among other charges
“One of the most important things to understand is how quickly things can change and escalate; how we ’ re unable to see the future.”
Travis said there’s a good way to break down the stereotypes and the barriers surrounding police
“I would encourage people to go out and meet the law enforcement within their own communities and go to different events,” Travis said. “Have conversations, ask questions the internet and TV doesn’t always show what the actual job is like, and the only way to get a real answer is to talk to a police officer and detective.“
Left: Detective Karli Travis at National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame Right: Travis and fellow Middletown Police Union (Local 1361) members
Volume IV, Issue 1I
INSIDE COUNCIL 4 7
June to December 2024
Meet Council 4 President Ron Nelson Meet Council 4 President Ron Nelson
by Bryan Chong, AFSCME Council 4 Communications
Ron Nelson, President of AFSCME Local 749 (State Judicial), was elected as President of Council 4 in April 2024, and was reelected in November as Local 749 President. Nelson has served as a Juvenile Detention Officer with the State of Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice since 2007 – but he had been a union member long before his career in public service, as a carpenter for 12 years in Local 210 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Council 4 Communications sat down with President Nelson to learn more about his journey in the labor movement and his experiences in fighting for his co-workers
Q: What was your journey stepping up to become a union leader?
Q: What is one thing the public should know about the State Judicial Branch?
President Nelson: We are a diverse workforce
with many job classes that service many different sectors of the public Our members are undervalued and not as respected as they should be, which is unfortunate because they provide critical services and they do a great job to get the pay they deserve. I am proud to be their president and to represent them within Council 4
President Nelson: As I got more involved in our union, I saw how our Executive Board was somewhat overwhelmed with the tasks of organizing our local, so my first instinct was just try to assist them with certain things. I took trainings with Council 4’s Organizing department, which empowered me to take on more responsibilities Every time there was an extra task, I took the corresponding training so I could assist the Executive Board. From there, I became Regional Vice President in 2016, Vice President and Chief Steward in 2018, and finally President in 2019 (and I was reelected in 2021)
And the relationships I developed with management – even as they wanted to steamroll us, and disapproved of my union involvement – allowed me to work with them Over the last five to six years, we have cleaned up the workplace a lot.
Q: Can you tell us about a challenge you successfully took on in your local?
Q:Whatareyoulookingforwardtoinyour termasCouncil4President?
President Nelson: My goal is always to “leave it better than I found it” I want to make the Council a place where we have transparency, active communication, and member involvement. We need to get local leaders involved, and get Council
Q:Whenwasthefirsttimeyougotinvolved withyourunion?
President Nelson: In 2009, I encountered an issue with seniority and felt that the contract was inappropriate in this regard I worked one year as part-time before being hired full time in 2008, but only full-time employment counted towards seniority, so I wasn’t credited for my previous service – even though I had enough experience to train everyone else on my shift
In addition, management divided us between shift and building seniority, which contradicts the contract As I saw how this issue affected everyone, and not just me, I filed grievances to get this issue corrected – then I became a union steward. Eight years later, we finally got part-time credit added to the contract
President Nelson: We had a group of employees who have been working out of their job class for two years – they were effectively shift supervisors, which is a difference of four salary grades. I investigated and showed that the State Judicial Branch had been making this mistake for two years, which resulted in a settlement of over $30,000 that was split between the roughly one dozen workers who were impacted.
From 2019 to 2021, we were negotiating the collective bargaining agreement for 200 court monitors, which was a huge undertaking, as initially we had little knowledge of what the monitors do and how they were positioned within the broader judicial system We consulted the court monitors to learn about their job classification and issues they faced on the job We successfully got higher pay for veteran employees, as well as a training and standards system for new employees
4 Executive Board members motivated to take on the next challenge – especially through our Council 4 Committees
We’re in a bit of a lull as we are transitioning through many folks retiring, but we have new folks on with fresh ideas, and a good mix of new and veteran leaders. We need to keep pushing for quality servicing and organizing of union members, and build on Council 4’s strength in numbers, as a union representing over 30,000 workers in Connecticut – whether in state and municipal public service, or nonprofits and private sector, our members Make Connecticut Happen!
Pictured: Council 4 President Ron Nelson with Council 4 union siblings at the 2024 AFSCME International Convention
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
Council 4's 2024 Scholarship Winners say union Council 4's 2024 Scholarship Winners say union "opened door for brighter future" "opened door for brighter future"
by Bryan Chong, AFSCME Council 4 Communications
Since 2021, Council 4 has provided educational scholarships to eight students whose parents are Council 4 members. Brady Scuito and Sean O'Leary are the winners of Council 4’s 2024 Education Scholarships and will each receive $2,000 renewable for up to four years
Brady Scuito: “The union opened doors for a brighter future”
Scuito is the son of Jill Scuito, a member of AFSCME Local 714, representing Department of Social Services employees He is a recent graduate of Foran High School in Milford and will attend UConn, with plans to major in mechanical engineering and minor in business
Scuito's mother, Jill, has been a member of Local 714 for 30 years. She works as an Eligibility Services Supervisor for the Department of Social Services
Before he was even born, Scuito's parents were both impacted by the wave of state employee layoffs in 2003, but the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) "led them both to become whole again," per Scuito's essay
"Union membership helped strengthen my family economically. The wages and benefits allowed my parents to afford a higher quality of life," explained Scuito "With the support of the union, they could invest in our education and extracurricular activities, which also opened the doors for a brighter future for my brother and I."
Scuito also credits the union with teaching him union values "My parents have participated in union meetings and events and have taught me the importance of social justice. I have no doubt that being a member of their union has contributed to them instilling this in me," he explained. "Witnessing their dedication to the union's collective action has inspired me to become more engaged in issues of fairness and equality within my own community "
Sean O'Leary: “The union makes sure everyone has access to health care”
O'Leary is the son of Debra O'Leary, a member of AFSCME Local 1303-280, representing Cromwell Board of Education Employees; and John O'Leary, member of AFSCME Local 2193, representing State Marshals He is a recent graduate of Wethersfield High School and will attend Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, with plans to major in aeronautical sciences and study to become an airline pilot.
O'Leary's mother, Debra, has been a member of Local 1303-280 for eight years as a paraeducator for Cromwell Board of Education; O'Leary's father, John, has been a State Marshal and Local 2193 member for nine years.
O'Leary credits job security and health care as two critical areas that his family benefitted from, especially with a big surgery he underwent last year, as a result of both his parents being union members.
"Right now, the union is pushing for better access to health benefits, which is really important as health care costs keep going up," explained O'Leary "It's not just about us; it's about setting a good example for future workers and making sure everyone has access to the health care they need."
"I know that as a paraeducator in Cromwell, they gave everyone money to cover the cost of health insurance this year, and that was very helpful," echoed Debra, O'Leary's mother.
"We've had a lot of backing at the state legislature trying to get some statutes passed to protect us specifically as state marshals," added John, O'Leary's father "Some of these efforts have resulted in a pay raise for us too "
These awardees mark the fourth year of Council 4’s Education Scholarship. The following past scholarship awardees, along with Scuito and O'Leary, attended Council 4's June Executive Board Meeting: Zachary Jahn (2021), Berne Webb (2022), Vanden Haviland (2022), and Emma Devito (2023). They gave updates to the Executive Board about their college journeys and the extracurricular activities they have been involved with
Left (L-R): Jill Scuito, a member of AFSCME Local 714, representing Department of Social Services, and her son Brady Scuito, co-recipient of Council 4's 2024 Education Scholarship.
Right (L-R): Debra O'Leary, a paraeducator member of AFSCME Local 1303-280 (Cromwell Board of Education); her son Sean O'Leary, co-recipient of Council 4's 2024 Education Scholarship; John O'Leary, a member of AFSCME Local 2193, representing State Marshals
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
Solidarity and Service: Council 4 honors two Solidarity and Service: Council 4 honors two union member veterans union
member veterans
by Renee Hamel & Bryan Chong, AFSCME Council 4 Communications
This Veterans Day, Council 4 honored two members who served in the United States Armed Forces. Whether it is service in the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard, Council 4 thanks all veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedoms
Robert Cauley
Robert Cauley is a member of AFSCME Local 714 For 13 years he has been with the Dept of Social Services (DSS) and currently works as a Services Supervisor in Windsor. In 2001 he joined the Connecticut Army National Guard right out of high school During his 9 years in the military, he was deployed to Iraq for a year as a sergeant with the 1st and 109th artillery unit out of PA
“My experience was eye-opening and a gift and curse at the same time,” said Cauley “It gives you an opportunity to appreciate life and waking up every day. You don’t know when it can be taken from you at any moment.”
Cauley believes his military background influenced who he is today, especially how he approaches his work with DSS as a supervisor “It’s shaped different integrities and my morals and how I operate on a daily basis,” Cauley said “As much as I delegate [as a supervisor], I think a lot of times workers like to see a supervisor that is hands-on. They like to see that I will match my words with action”
“Everyone's experience is different,” Cauley said. “Even though you sign up to volunteer,… at the end of the day you're putting your life on the line. “When you're in any situation of deployment, you don't know what's going to go on from day to day Every day is a new experience ”
Acts of service is another way that Cauley sees how everyone can play a part to show appreciation and support for our veteran population. Just the little things go a long way, ” Cauley said. “Gift boxes, letters from childrenthe appreciation aspect of it is big because not a lot of people are not willing or capable of joining the armed services ”
In relating his membership in the Armed Forces with his membership in our union, Cauley recognizes a disconnect, specifically in how members engage in their military service compared to in their union.
Mark Mennillo
Mark Mennillo is the Chief Steward and a Trustee of AFSCME Local 387 He is coming up on 18 years of service as a Correctional Officer with the Department of Corrections (DOC) at Cheshire Correctional Institute. Prior to this tenure, Mennillo served 7 years in the US Marine Corps with Local 387 President Jeremie St Pierre, with whom Mennillo was deployed to Iraq in 2005, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant Mennillo joined the DOC with St. Pierre when they both retired from the Marine Corps.
“Serving in the Marine Corps taught me respect and gratitude. It’s a very different life overseas that we are not accustomed to here,” said Mennillo “Until you witness being overseas first hand, you definitely don’t know how good we have it here I am grateful for all the amenities, freedoms, and luxuries that we have here in the first world, which people forget how easy it is.”
One aspect of military service Mennillo hopes more people could understand is the level of sacrifice required “The time spent away from family, away from home,” said Mennillo “I don’t think people quite comprehend the toll that takes on us. ”
Mennillo’s journey followed the footsteps of his uncle, Robert Boland, who joined the Marine Corps after 9/11, and later also became a Local 387 leader as a former Correctional Officer at Manson Youth Institute
laid the organizational foundations of Local 387 with fellow Correctional Officers Steve Carbone and the late Bob Parziale, who were respectively President and Treasurer of Local 387 before becoming Service Representatives at Council 4
“Once you learn and instill in yourself the leadership and values of the Marine Corps, you bring those to any endeavor in life,” Mennillo explained on how his military service connects to his union leadership. “Whether in the facilities or in the union, to help others and to keep fighting for what we have, which the members and leaders before have laid the path for and given us ”
Recalling how his time in the Marine Corps prepared him for state service, Mennillo added, “Our military training helps a lot – being conscientious of our surroundings, being disciplined – the boot camp breaks all your bad habits and builds you up as a team So in the correctional facilities, when bad things happen and codes are called, we know there’s no time to think about yourself – not I, but we, how we all get out safely.“
Boland
Robert Cauley, circa approx 2002 in Ft Jackson, South Carolina
Mark Menillo, a Correctional Officer and Chief Steward of Local 387, served in the Marine Corps for 7 years.
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
Volume IV, Issue 1I
June to December 2024
Council 4 Wins Connecticut Supreme Court Decision Council 4 Wins Connecticut Supreme Court Decision for SUOAF Member Chris Dukes After Six-Year Fight for
SUOAF Member Chris Dukes After Six-Year Fight
by Renee Hamel, AFSCME Council 4 Communications
In a significant victory that serves as a testament to the power in a union and perseverance, the Connecticut Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of Chris Dukes, a member of the State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF) AFSCME Local 2836, who was wrongfully terminated in December 2018 This decision marks the end of the union’s protracted six-year legal battle to return the former Director of Student Conduct at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to his former job, an effort led by Kelly Rommel, AFSCME Council 4 Staff Representative Attorney
The Court's 49-page ruling, issued on May 31, 2024, affirmed a November 2020 arbitration award which found that Dukes was terminated without just cause The court upheld the arbitrator’s decision, mandating Dukes' reinstatement and full compensation for all economic losses, including back pay with wage increases and benefits. Additionally, all disciplinary records related to the incident will be expunged.
Dukes’ termination followed an April 2018 incident, after which all criminal charges against him were dismissed. Despite this, CCSU continued to oppose his reinstatement, leading to a drawn-out legal struggle. The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) System's attempt to vacate the arbitration award on the grounds that it violated public policy was rejected by the Supreme Court, affirming the arbitrator’s original decision
"So many people, including my family and I, have been praying for this righteous ruling," Dukes said "Almost six years have passed since I was unjustly terminated by CCSU although I have been completely exonerated of any wrongdoing I am beyond pleased that the Connecticut Supreme Court reaffirmed the decision of the arbitrator who took the time to review all the facts and evidence presented"
"There is no greater role for a union than securing jobs and protecting our members' livelihoods,” said Local 2836 President Lisa Bigelow “This decision is a long overdue, complete vindication of Chris Dukes, who was terminated without just cause, in blatant disregard of the collective bargaining process and due process
"This is a testament to our collective strength and dedication… and reinforces the critical role unions play in protecting the interests of their members," Bigelow added. SUOAF represents over 950 administrative faculty in the Connecticut State College and University System and the Board of Regents
Rommel, who prepared and argued SUOAF’s case before the arbitrator and highest state court, highlighted the importance of honoring collective bargaining agreements and arbitration decisions
Dukes, a CCSU graduate, looks forward to returning to the campus where he has spent most of his adult life. "My life was interwoven into the fabric of the CCSU community from 1990-2018 before I was abruptly and unjustly ripped away," Dukes said "I had a strong connection with the student body, and I look forward to serving them once again as a major contributor to their individual development and overall success as the future leaders within our communities."
"As with every collective bargaining agreement, each party agrees to have disputes heard by an independent arbitrator but in this case, the parties specifically selected this arbitrator until CCSU had buyer’s remorse when the decision wasn’t in their favor.” Rommel stated.
“Rather than choosing to honor the arbitrator’s comprehensive thirty-seven-page decision and the collective bargaining agreement, the state chose to drag the union through a lengthy sixyear process only to arrive at the same original decision ”
This case is a landmark decision for AFSCME Council 4, making history by fighting and winning a Connecticut Supreme Court case, speaking to the quality of representation provided by Council 4 staff, as well as the strength of our 30,000-member union.
“We are fortunate to have a skilled and dedicated staff attorney at AFSCME Council 4, Kelly Rommel,” Bigelow said. “Chris and I extend our deep gratitude for the hundreds of hours Kelly put into preparing for and arguing this case ”
Pictured: Chris Dukes (center) and supporters, including Council 4 Staff Representative Attorney Kelly Rommel (bottom row, third from left).
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
to December 2024
MEMBERS IN ACTION
PTSD support for Public Safety members PTSD support for Public Safety members
Local 1565 Correctional Officer Leighton Vanderburgh (center) and Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr (center left) spoke at a press conference in honor of PTSD Awareness Month hosted by Comptroller Sean Scanlon to strengthen PTSD support for law enforcement and first responders. 5 years ago Council 4 helped pass expanded PTSD workers compensation coverage, but more work is needed to ensure public safety members can access important treatment and services.
“Police officers and corrections officers die about 20 years earlier than the general public due to consistent exposure to potentially traumatic events,” Barr said. “PTSD treatment can help reduce the mortality rate of workers who dedicate their lives to keep the public safe.”
Stonington Paraeducators picket for livable wages
Stonington Paraeducators picket for livable wages
At an August school board meeting in Stonington about 40 paraeducators of AFSCME Local 1996 participated in an informational picket. Chanting “this is what we ’ re fighting for: Stonington paras deserve more, ” members demonstrated for a fair contract with liveable wages that they say will help recruit and retain more paraeducators in the school system.
According to Local President Michelle Mania (pictured top left), 34 paraeducators have left the district in the last two years about half of the total number of paraeducators in the district. More than 600 community members have signed onto a petition urging elected leaders to support the paraeducators fight for fair wages and respect. Furthermore, The Day published a column in support, saying, “These are people with education or certification credentials who provide critical classroom assistance to some of the town’s most needy students. Shouldn’t Stonington compete for and retain the best educators..?”
Leighton Vanderburgh Leighton Vanderburgh
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
MEMBERS IN ACTION
AFSCME 46th International Convention AFSCME 46th International Convention
About 80 Council 4 members served as delegates to AFSCME’s 46th International Convention in Los Angeles. Over the 5day Convention, delegates connected with union siblings across the U.S., spoke on and passed resolutions to guide our movement, and learned from powerful speakers and workshops on how to organize and win at the bargaining table and in our communities.
Clockwise from left: Local 269 Secretary Stephen Weirbicki introducing AFSCME International Secretary Treasurer Elissa McBride; (Pictured Right) Local 749 Trustee Andrew Samsel serving as Sergeant-at-Arms with a fellow AFSCME member; Local 184 Secretary-Treasurer Nicole LaBoy in support of University of California system members’ rally for a fair contact; Local 704 steward Margo Jones serving as Sergeant-at-Arms; Local 478 President Merisa Williams being filmed for an AFSCME digital ad; Local 2663 President Marybeth Kaczynski-Hill (Center) speaking on the floor in support of a resolution on Climate Change Action and Environmental Justice; surrounded by (L-R): Local 3144 Vice President Velisha Cloud, Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr, Local 3144 member Gilda Herrera, Local 3194 President Stacie Harris-Byrdsong, Council 4 President Ron Nelson June to December 2024
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
Volume IV, Issue 1
June to December 2024
MEMBERS IN ACTION
391 & Local 2663 members support pro-union candidates
Top Left: Union members knocked doors for State Representative Tom Delnicki, a retired member of AFSCME Local 1026 (MDC Supervisors) and proud union supporter Local 391 hosted the South Windsor labor canvass which Local members came out for
Bottom Left: Local 2663 member Jesse Kohut (CHRO) volunteered to talk with other union members in Stratford about supporting State Representative-elect Kaitlyn Shake, an AFSCME member and nurse
Bottom Right: Sherine Bailey, Local 391 Executive Board Member (NP-4 State Corrections), knocked doors for the labor-to-labor program in New Britain, Meriden, South Windsor, and Waterbury This was Bailey’s first election volunteering to canvass for labor-endorsed candidates
Stewards Trainings Stewards Trainings
Led by the Council 4 Organizing and Member Services Department, three all-day stewards trainings were held this fall that state, municipal and board of education member stewards participated in. Topics covered included the grievance process, fulfilling the duty of fair representation, grievant guidance, and more. Check out our website calendar in January to view our 2025 Winter Trainings schedule and register for important trainings to fuel your union activism and knowledge.
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
June to December 2024
MEMBERS IN ACTION
Middletown City Employees Mobilize for Middletown City Employees Mobilize for “Fair
Pay for Fair Work” “Fair Pay for Fair Work”
When Middletown Common Council rejected upgrades for 7 members of Local 466 (City of Middletown Employees) working out of class, Local leaders mobilized by urging members to write to the Common Council and join them as they delivered public testimony.
With their advocacy and the support of allies, they successfully won a change in compensation for these members. Pictured is former President Kelly Robinson (second from left) and Vice Presidents Nick LaRosa (third from left) and Jim Santoro (right).
New Haven Custodians New Haven Custodians Demand End to Privatization Demand End to Privatization
New Haven Custodians (AFSCME
Local 287) spoke at an October New Haven Board of Alders meeting. They along with New Haven Federation of Teachers called on the City to end contracts with private companies and bring custodial maintenance work inhouse to improve the quality of services and provide more management union jobs to New Haven residents
June to December 2024
MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Council 4 Graduates of CT AFL-CIO’s Council 4 Graduates of CT AFL-CIO’s Labor Leadership Academy Labor Leadership Academy
Eight members of Council 4 graduated from the Labor Leadership Academy, an eight-month education and training program facilitated by the Western and Eastern Connecticut Area Labor Federations aimed to create an exclusive opportunity for a diverse group of rising labor leaders. All graduates received certificates during the Connecticut AFL-CIO’s Labor Day Breakfast in Meriden. Congratulations to Trung Le, Local 3419 (top left), Tressa Davis, Local 704 (top center), Jasmine Barrs & Charmaine Patterson, Local 714 (top right), Melissa Pacheco & Grisela Ruiz (Local 269), Leighton Vanderburgh (Local 1565), and Ken Kaminsky (Local 431). Congratulations!
ORGANIZING WINS
In August Council 4 welcomed 62 new members who successfully won their union and joined AFSCME Local 90. These members are employed by USIC, also known as “Call Before You Dig,” and provide the critical services of marking underground infrastructure to prevent damage from digging, which protects excavators and the public and ensures the uninterrupted delivery of electric, gas, water, and telecommunication services. Congrats to the newly elected officers: President Brandon Trenholm; Vice President Zee Pila, Recording Secretary Riley Nunn, Treasurer Freddie Cordero, and Executive Board Members: Sarah Chow-Yen, Raphael Zayas, Marcus Parolo, and David Voyak!
Council 4 also welcomed new members employed by New Haven Legal Assistance who formed Local 818-66 and shift managers who work with the Connecticut Judicial Branch that will join Local 749 (CT Judicial Employees). Congratulations and welcome!
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
June to December 2024
SOLIDARITY CORNER
Standing with our allies! Standing with our allies!
Tom Delucia, President of New Haven Custodians (AFSCME Local 287) and Hyclis Williams, President of New Haven Paraeducators (AFSCME Local 3429) joined with the New Haven Federation of Teachers union to demand more state and federal funding for New Haven Public Schools as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds which ran out at the end of September.
Council 4 members and staff supported AFSCME Council 3's campaign to organize Maryland supervisors. Serving as Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs), Council 4 staff members visited potential members at work sites in MD to discuss joining the union. (Top Left: Executive Director Jody Barr, and Bottom Center: Legislative and Political Director Brian Anderson; both with MD Supervisor members). Local 3419 President Brian Faraci (pictured top right) who represents Connecticut DCF program supervisors filmed a short video to encourage MD supervisors to unionize and also shared the story of how his local formed a union in 2017.
Center: Tom Delucia, President New Haven Custodians (AFSCME Local 287)
Left: Hyclis Williams, President New Haven Paraeducators (AFSCME Local 3429)
INSIDE COUNCIL 4 GIVING BACK CORNER
In keeping with their tradition of supporting community causes, members of Local 1214 (Charter Oak State College) donated $1500 to Angel of Edgewood. President Paul Morganti (right) visited their new building in the South End of Hartford in October and met their Founder and CEO Jendayi Scott-Miller (left). Angel of Edgewood began during the pandemic as a community meal operation out of Scott-Miller’s home. The organization has rapidly expanded and provides food assistance, community events for children with disabilities, and a resource center to connect Greater Hartford residents with support services. Over the years, Local 1214 Giving Committee has tapped into its treasury to support a variety of charitable endeavors. Local 1214 member Moses Adgers connected the Committee with Angel of Edgewood and was familiar with the wonderful work they perform since his wife, Regina Albee, a Hartford teacher, sits on their Board.
Top Left (L-R): Local 318 President Rose Duncan, Treasurer Tobbie Tracy, and Secretary-Treasurer Valencia Johnson display toys donated by members that will be given to New Britain Community Services for their Love Wins Toy Drive. Center & Right: Members of Local 704 (L-R) Steward Tammy Leach, Treasurer Margo Jones, President Tress Davis, and Chrishaun Jackson served Thanksgiving dinner to 320 community members with Hands on Hartford, a non-profit organization that provides services and programs for people in need.
East Windsor police officers (Local 3583) and supporters came out on December 1st for their Department’s annual Stuff a Cruiser event hosted by the East Windsor Walmart. All toy donations are distributed to needed families in town for the holidays.
INSIDE COUNCIL 4
MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
In Memoriam In Memoriam
Top Left: Beverly Manes was an active Council 4 member, local president, and Retiree Chapter member. She served as President of Local 1303-392 (Litchfield Town Employees). For nearly a decade she also served as Trustee of the Council 4 Retirees Chapter and was also active on the PEOPLE and Veterans Committees. She and her husband Joe were awarded the Council 4 PEOPLE Person of the Year Award in ‘17 and the Kevin Lynch Award by the CT ARA.
Bottom Left: Bill Lucy helped lead the AFSCME 1968 Memphis sanitation strike and founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
Bottom Right: Rhode Island Council 94 President J Michael Downey was a bold leader who served since 2005 and enhanced the lives of our neighbor working Rhode Islanders
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
December 14: Fall 2024 Training: Weingarten & Garrity Rights
December 18: Fall 2024 Training: Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
December 25: Christmas Day (Office Closed)
January 1: New Years Day (Office Closed)
January 2: Council 4 Executive Board & Delegates Meeting
January 8: Connecticut General Assembly Legislative Session Begins
January 8: SEBAC Digital Worker Committee
January 14: Connecticut For All Equity Launch
January 20: Martin Luther King Day (Office Closed)
February 6: Council 4 Executive Board Meeting
February 17: Presidents’ Day (Office Closed)
March 6: Council 4 Executive Board Meeting