News

Biden forgives student loans for an additional 78,000 public service workers

AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised the White House’s announcement Thursday that the Biden administration will forgive student loans for an additional 78,000 borrowers — including many AFSCME mem

Council 4 Office Closed To The Public, But We're Still Working

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.

AFSCME President Addresses Coronavirus, Calls for Member Safety

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.

At Nevada Event, AFSCME Members and Retirees Question Candidates on Priorities

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.

Get Union Smart With Council 4 Education & Training

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 Voice Support for Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act

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.

Action Alert: Legislative Hearing on PTSI Expansion Set for Feb. 25

The legislature's Labor & Public Employees Committee will hold a public hearing Feb. 25 on proposed legislation to expand Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) coverage under workers' compensation so that it includes front-line Corrections employees (as well as EMS and dispatchers).

Carrying Out Our 2020 Legislative Priorities

The Connecticut General Assembly convenes Feb. 5, 2020 and adjourns May 6, 2020.

Council 4's legislative agenda reflects a commitment to advocating for laws and budgets that create good-paying jobs with benefits, promote quality public services and create healthy communities where our union members live and work.

To learn more and get involved, please contact Council 4 lobbyists Brian Anderson at [email protected] or Zak Leavy at [email protected].

Join a Union. Your Wallet Will Thank You.

Here’s a big reason to join a union – a bigger paycheck.New numbers from U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show just how much of a difference a union makes in terms of worker pay.