News

First Aid, CPR & AED trainings offered

AFSCME offers First Aid, CPR & AED trainings that are certified by the American Red Cross (ARC). 

Leukemia Survivor Inspires Union-Themed Kids Library at Council 4

Behind our union’s newly christened Cameron Wilson Children’s Library – a place for members’ children to sit and read a labor story or play games while their parents attend to union business at Council 4 – is a courageous child and his equally determined parents.

At the center of this story is 5-year-old Cameron Wilson, the son of  Jessica Wilson of Local 269 (P2 State Human & Social Services) and her husband Brendan. In 2017, doctors diagnosed Cameron with leukemia after he had just turned 2 and on the same day of his mom’s birthday.

First-Ever Council 4 Scholarship Winners Embody Our AFSCME Union Values

The future just got a little brighter – and a little more affordable – for recent high school graduates Zachary Jahn and Bryanna Vanderburgh, winners of the first-ever Council 4 Education Scholarships.

Zachary and Bryanna are ready to take the next step toward their higher education, with the momentum of the $2,000 annual award – renewable for up to four years – behind them.

Labor's Push Leads To COVID-19 Assistance Fund for Essential Workers

Organized labor’s determination to help essential workers who were made sick on the job by COVID-19 has led to the creation of the Connecticut Essential Workers COVID-19 Assistance Fund.

During the budget implementer session in mid-June, state legislators finalized the inclusion of $34 million to establish this fund to assist potentially thousands of essential workers who contracted the novel coronavirus on the job through no fault of their own.

Member Participation Fuels 2021 Legislative Successes

The cloud of COVID-19 hung heavily over the 2021 legislative session, both literally and figuratively, by the time the Connecticut General Assembly adjourned on June 9.

Despite the State Capitol remaining closed to lobbyists and members of the public, due to COVID-19, this year’s session brought several noteworthy successes that will benefit Council 4 members and working people across the state.

C4 Members Help Pass Post Traumatic Stress Injury Bill

Fueled by the efforts of Council 4 members and staff, the state legislature voted to extend limited post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) coverage under workers compensation to correctional employees, EMS workers, public safety dispatchers and health workers.

The bill, SB 660, has been sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Catch Our Latest Council 4 Podcast

June 1--Our Council 4 Unplugged podcast takes a look the 2021 legislative session (which concludes June 9) with Council 4's Legislative and Political Coordinator, Brian Anderson.

Brian takes us through where we are at with passing a fair budget and important bills that will protect and uplift workers. We also discuss the importance of the PEOPLE Committee and being engaged in this year’s municipal election.

Click here to listen to our latest Council 4 Unplugged podcast.

Labor Leadership Academy Will Provide New Opportunities

The Western CT Area Labor Federation and Eastern CT Area Labor Federation are excited to announce a new Labor Leadership Academy (LLA) that aims to create an exclusive opportunity for a diverse group of rising labor leaders. By developing a group of peers who work together, we will bolster future cross-sector solidarity and coalition building.

Council 4 Civil Rights Committee Presents Movie Extravaganza 2021

Council 4 Civil Rights Committee is hosting a movie series featuring films that portray the experience of African-Americans and the history of racism in the U.S. All films are screened outdoors in the AFSCME Council 4 parking lot (444 East Main St. New Britain). Council 4 members, their families, and affiliates, are welcome to attend. 

Movies and Documentaries Screened: