News

Local 3419 Defends State Workers

In a recent letter to the editor of the New London Day, Local 3419 President Chris Gardner pushed back against the constant attacks on Connecticut state workers.

Here is Chris's letter:

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

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

AFSCME ‘Staff the Front Lines’ bus tour seeks to solve staffing crisis in public service


States, cities, towns and schools face a staffing crisis. Hiring for public service jobs has failed to keep pace with the private sector. In April, for instance, there were 833,000 job openings in state and local governments, according to data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In response, AFSCME is kicking off a national bus tour this summer to recruit talented, diverse and dedicated people to staff the front lines.

AFSCME: Supreme Court student loan ruling shows ‘contempt’ for working people

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected the Biden administration’s landmark plan to forgive up to $20,000 for millions of student loan borrowers.

In a statement, AFSCME President Lee Saunders said, “Today’s decision is yet another example of this court’s contempt for working families.”

PTSI Awareness: What workers should know about this silent injury

A normal part of our daily jobs involves clocking in, working through a shift and clocking out at the end of the workday. But what happens when a traumatic event occurs at work that stays with you beyond your shift? Disturbing and tragic events, such as witnessing a co-worker injured on the job, or even worse – dying on the job – can inflict trauma that may last a lifetime.

That is why Council 4 advocated for and won passage of legislation restoring workers’ compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) for all workers, regardless of job type or setting.

Strides for workers made during 2023 legislative session

The Connecticut General Assembly ended its recent legislative session on June 7. In this “long” session and budget year, Council 4 members worked in tandem with political staff to achieve significant wins for working people across the state.

After a three-year hiatus, Council 4’s Lobby Day returned on May 17 with a lively spirit as more than 50 members came to the Capitol in their AFSCME green to advocate for bills supporting the work they do for their communities.

Hundreds of AFSCME activists get fired up at Denver organizing summit

Hundreds of AFSCME activists get fired up at Denver organizing summit

Anthony Lockhart. Photo: Miriam Harris

Saunders: Debt limit agreement shows ‘President Biden puts working people first’


AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised President Joe Biden in the wake of a debt ceiling deal that averts a default by the U.S. government on its debt while protecting the interests and priorities of working families and retirees.

Biden signed the deal into law on Saturday.

For Illinois paramedic, a desire to fully serve his community is hampered by short-staffing

For Illinois paramedic, a desire to fully serve his community is hampered by short-staffing

Member-provided photo

Thanking EMS professionals is not enough; we must help them solve a staffing crisis

Thanking EMS professionals is not enough; we must help them solve a staffing crisis

Member-provided photo