News

State Employees' Reopener, Recruitment and Retention Agreement Approved by Appropriations Committee

State Employees' Reopener, Recruitment and Retention Agreement Approved by Appropriations Committee

Agreement will continue efforts to protect and expand our communitie

Council 4 Executive Board Elections

The regular election of AFSCME Council 4 Executive Board members took place on April 6, 2024 at our union headquarters in New Britain, CT.

The results are as follows:

Council 4 Education Scholarships

COUNCIL 4 EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

To recognize the extraordinary efforts of our members and to foster unionism, Council 4 is offering continuing education assistance in th

Council 4 Civil Rights Committee Remembers Dr. King

The Civil Rights Committee at AFSCME Council 4 would like to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We cannot look to the promise of a better future without remembering the sacrifice of MLK. He demonstrated astounding courage and resolve in the fight for civil, human, and worker’s rights. As a matter of fact, as a true friend of laborers, he was assassinated while helping the striking sanitation workers (represented by AFSCME) in Memphis.  

Remembering Dr. King and The Fight for Workers' Rights

The Civil Rights Committee at AFSCME Council 4 would like to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We cannot look to the promise of a better future without remembering the sacrifice of MLK. He demonstrated astounding courage and resolve in the fight for civil, human, and worker’s rights. As a matter of fact, as a true friend of laborers, he was assassinated while helping striking Memphis sanitation workers represented by AFSCME.  

"V" Is For Vaccine: News and Resources on the COVID-19 Vaccine

The availability of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is an exciting development in the fight to get the pandemic under control--and welcome news for Council 4 members and other frontline workers have borne the brunt of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic

While we have the promise of vaccines, and a commitment from the new Biden administration to provide a coordinated response, it will be months before the current surge ends. We can’t let up when it comes to following health and safety protocols at work and at home. 

Council 4 Member Advances Human Rights For All CT Workers

It would be an understatement to say that 2020 has been a pivotal year for civil and human rights. The Supreme Court declared that employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity was unlawful. The killing of George Floyd ignited a wave of protests around systemic racism.  And in Connecticut, employees everywhere participated in sexual harassment training and education. 

Council 4 on U.S. Capitol Riot and Protest: Unions Can Point The Way Forward

Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr issued the following comment to Council 4 Presidents, Executive Board members and Delegates tonight (Jan. 7):

Sisters and Brothers:

It’s important that we talk briefly about the events of the last 24 hours. 

Our union cherishes democracy. We listen to our members. Let's not forget that despite the ugliness of the riots, Congress listened to the voters. Congress -- Republicans, Democrats and Independents -- certified Joe Biden as our next president.

A Message of Thanks to Council 4 Members for Being Everyday Heroes

Dear Council 4 Members:

We are approaching the end of a year like no other. Since early March, COVID-19 has brought havoc to our lives and to our jobs. We have had to make massive readjustments in order to keep our families and communities safe.  

In Memoriam: James Blakeney, Sr., Local 1303-292, Darien Public Works

Council 4 mourns the loss of Local 1303-292 member James P. Blakeney, Sr., who died Dec. 19 from complications due to COVID-19. He was 60.

Blakeney was a Driver-Laborer II for the Darien Department of Public Works, where he had been employed for more than 19 years.  Bargaining Unit President Dan Obuchowski remembers him as a dedicated employee and union member with a gift for making everyone smile.

“James was one of a kind,” Obuchowski reflected. “There will never be another one like him.”

Administration Missing Opportunity For Genuine Front Line State Worker Input

The Lamont administration has hired an outside consultant (Boston Consulting Group) to determine how the state can best generate revenues and cut costs. In the process, the administration is not simply bypassing SEBAC coalition but also missing the opportunity for genuine front line worker input on protecting and expanding public services.