In a significant victory that serves as a testament to the power in a union and perseverance, the Connecticut Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of Chris Dukes, a member of the State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF) AFSCME Local 2836, who was wrongfully terminated in December 2018.

The West Haven Library in West Haven, Connecticut, is a melting pot. Patrons of all different backgrounds and ages step foot through its doors. But no matter who visits the library, Carrie Bryant, a member of AFSCME Local 393 (Council 4), says she wants them to feel “seen and heard.”

“One thing I want to get across is that the library is much needed in the community,” said Bryant, a children’s library associate who’s been at the West Haven Library for nearly 11 years. “It’s a sense of community — a place for both adults and children to meet each other and have a safe place.”

Members of the Trumbull Police Union AFSCME Local 1745 accomplished a rare feat. After losing their defined benefit pension plan in 2014 they won their pensions back. Through persistence and cooperation with town leaders they not only restored a secure retirement for all members, but also played a vital role in protecting the future of their department by retaining experienced officers.