When Connecticut public defender attorneys (AFSCME Local 381) discovered in May their state attorney counterparts, the prosecutors, would receive wage increases to boost recruitment efforts in their ranks, they asked, “Why not us?”
Paraeducators are invaluable to the well-being and academic success of their students. They are the backbone of classrooms and critical to the overall functioning of their schools, yet the work they do is often overlooked. Recognizing paraeducators for the skills, compassion, and commitment they bring to students is important in elevating the profession and honoring them for their service. Four Council 4 paraeducators were highlighted this Fall by their school districts for going above and beyond in support of their students.
After a protracted fight over four years, Danbury Housing Authority workers (AFSCME Local 1303-402) have made progress in their fight for justice. With a labor board decision ordering negotiations to implement a proper salary schedule, Danbury Housing Authority workers finally have the opportunity to negotiate equal pay for equal work.
This past summer, Council 4 members working in our state’s correctional facilities endured a series of weekly consecutive staff assaults by inmates that left multiple members critically injured. This wave is a symptom of a worsening trend in staff assaults, which in Connecticut have almost doubled since the pandemic. This trend coincides with recent policy changes that have limited certain tools and mechanisms at the disposal of correctional staff to ensure the safety of each other and inmates who choose violence against other inmates.
When 12 administrative secretaries in the Putnam school district faced restrictions on using their vacation time, they did something no one expected – they formed a union. Three years after unionizing, they have a new contract, including the ability to use their vacation time on their own terms.
Council 4 members are getting organized and building power. In September, AFSCME International Union (IU) staff visited Council 4 to run a special training on New Hire Orientations. More than 30 leaders from various locals gathered in New Britain, learning with and from each other about onboarding new hires into our union and effective ways to engage our members. High-quality orientations have proven to increase sign-ups among new hires and bolster their commitment to the union.
