News

First Aid, CPR & AED trainings offered

AFSCME offers First Aid, CPR & AED trainings that are certified by the American Red Cross (ARC). 

In Memoriam: Lawrence “Larry” Amendola, 1934-2024

Council 4 mourns the loss of Lawrence “Larry” Amendola, former President and founding member of AFSCME Local 3144, New Haven Management and Professional Employees.

State Employees’ Reopener, Recruitment and Retention Agreement Overwhelmingly Passes General Assembly

State Employees’ Reopener, Recruitment and Retention Agreement Overwhelmingly Passes General Assembly

Agreement supports protection and expan

Red Cross workers in Connecticut, nationwide win contract after year-long fight

There is indeed strength in numbers. Just ask front-line American Red Cross blood collections workers in Connecticut, who are represented by Local 3145 of Council 4 AFSCME.

The nationwide coalition of 10 unions, representing more than 3,000 blood collection workers, ratified their contract in mid-September after more than a year of tough negotiations.

Public Student Loan Forgiveness: Info and Resources

The cost of college increased tenfold since the 1970s. Meanwhile, the top 1% graduate debt-free and politicians continue to choose corporate tax breaks over funding for higher education.

Having college debt could mean having to put off saving for your own child’s college because you’re still paying for your own college debt. Or maybe you are having trouble paying your monthly bills because of a high monthly student loan payment.

Council 4 Scholarship Winners Grow from Union Roots

For two new college students, Vanden Haviland and Bernae Webb - their future looks promising and a little more at ease.  

Public Service Proud: Union members welcome students back to school

AFSCME Council 4 members employed in public schools provide a range of support outside of the classroom: school security, food service, college and career planning, student health.

As a new school year starts, we spoke with some of our members who work as school support staff about how they contribute to student success and how the union, in turn, supports them.

As workers organize from coast to coast, approval of labor unions continues to rise

Graph of the Gallup poll.

As workers continue to organize throughout the country – from cultural institutions to 

Strong showing from Council 4 at union conventions

Union conventions are staple gatherings for members to build solidarity, take part in democratic governance of their union and become re-energized to continue in growing the labor movement.

This summer, Council 4 members served as delegates for two union conventions held biannually — Connecticut AFL-CIO political convention and AFSCME International convention. 

Contracts settlements include higher wages

The months of June and July can be a busy time for collective bargaining agreement  settlements, with many contracts going into effect July 1, the start of the fiscal year.

Members of AFSCME Local 1303-392, representing a group of 45 Litchfield school employees, ratified a two-year contract on June 3, effective July 1, which the Litchfield Board of Education approved at its meeting June 9.

Upcoming member trainings, workshops announced

Council 4 AFSCME offers a variety trainings and workshops to our members and recently announced several events scheduled for September through December.

Topics include multi-part trainings for Class 1 and Class 2 stewards, a look at the roles and responsibilities of local officers, workers' comp, duty of fair representation, new member outreach for leaders, tips for running an effective meeting, new laws that public sector employers are required to follow, a review of the Freedom of Information Act and a special estate planning workshop for members and guests with lunch provided.