August 24, 2020: A coalition of unions representing more than 60,000 frontline employees in local and regional school districts across Connecticut held a virtual press conference today to issue health and safety standards for final "back to school" plans.
Frontline staff — including teachers, nurses, paraeducators, custodians, bus drivers and secretaries – presented recently adopted "non-negotiable" requirements they believe will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
- Click here for our union coalition's 13 Core Principles for Reopening Schools Safely.
Cynthia Harris-Jackson, a New Haven school nurse and president of AFSCME Local 1303-467, was among the rank-and-file members who shared their recommendations and concerns.
“It is vital for the state and school districts to hear our concerns as frontline employees,” she said. “If we can adopt these significant core principles and work together, we can better ensure a safer environment for students, staff and families.”
- Click here to view the the press conference on CT-N.
- Click here for some of the press coverage of the event.
Coalition members have also set up an online petition to present to Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardona.
- Click here to add your name to our "Reopen Schools Safely" petition.
The school union coalition includes Council 4; AFT Connecticut; Connecticut Education Association (CEA); Municipal Employees Union Independent, Local 506; CSEA/SEIU Local 2001; and UAW Region 9-A.
