News

Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.

Before the announcement early Wednesday of an unprecedented $2 trillion deal to combat the coronavirus pandemic, AFSCME President Lee Saunders and three front-line workers put pressure on federal lawmakers to come through with a robust aid package for state and local governments so they can rebuild decimated public services.

The coronavirus aid package that cleared Congress is just not good enough for public service workers. That’s the takeaway message from AFSCME President Lee Saunders.

Please check our special Coronovarius Resource page for Council 4 members for news and info.

Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr issued the following statement to Council 4 Local Presidents, Executive Board and Delegates to share with all our members:

We recognize that this is a challenging time for everyone.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) emerges in the United States, many AFSCME members are and will continue to be on the front lines caring for and transporting those afflicted with the virus. Workers in emergency services, health care, child care, educational institutions and many others may come in contact with people who’ve contracted the coronavirus, putting themselves at risk.

On the eve of Saturday’s Nevada Democratic primary caucuses, AFSCME members and retirees gathered at a Las Vegas restaurant to hear one last time from presidential candidates on the issues that matter most to working families.

Council 4 (and our national AFSCME union) offer a wealth of free training and education opportunities, both in-person and online.

In 2020, Council 4 is launching "Saturday Study Hall" trainings at our office in New Britain.  We've scheduled classes on a wide range of subject matter, from grievance handling, social media and CPR/Opioid training to post-retirement planning, union treasurer responsibilities and OSHA certification.  We are also teaming up with the Connecticut AFL-CIO for a special training geared toward union members running for political office.

AFSCME members sat down with congressional lawmakers last week to share stories about how the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would improve communities and empower workers.

Through a budget proposal announced this week, President Donald Trump continues his attacks on vital programs for working families, including Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

And rather than invest in America’s future, he seeks to disinvest, proposing deep funding cuts to programs in education, environmental protection, disease prevention and more.