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.
On August 11, Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO announced the passing of President J. Michael Downey. Connecticut Council 4 mourns the passing of President Downey and sends our best wishes to our Rhode Island AFSCME siblings.
Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed and unappreciated despite their heroic efforts to keep us all safe.
Traffic Investigator Andrew Orum is one of these officers. While he’s on duty, his highest priority is to be of service to his community.
“I love helping people,” he explained. “My role is to be a part of the community as much as it is to serve the community.”
Disability retirement benefits are an essential protection for our members who participate in the state employees retirement system, providing a lifetime retirement allowance and health insurance to those who can no longer work due to a disability. SEBAC and the State of Connecticut have recently agreed to clear protocols for disability retirement that ensures the protection of member’s disability benefits while creating a transparent process for everyone involved.
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.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beverly Manes, an active Council 4 member, local president, and Retiree Chapter member. She was 75 years old.
For most union locals it is standard practice that every few years a contract is negotiated. When it comes to AFSCME Local 75 (Region 20 School District) their members welcomed a new contract on top of having a new president, employer and organized local – all within a year.
Starting in July when their contract goes into effect, 102 members of Local 75 will see firsthand the benefits of union membership. Half of the members, who work as educational assistants, administrative assistants, school nurses, tech support and custodians, are new to being in a union.
