Each year during Workers’ Memorial Day ceremonies on April 28, workers, legislators, members of organized labor unions, worker advocates and others gather to honor the memory of those workers who have lost their lives because of workplace injuries or illnesses. The ceremonies highlight the sacrifices made by these workers and of the families left behind and inspire us all to work harder on behalf of the welfare of all workers.

Council 4 is on the lookout for members who are dedicated unionists and labor activists always going the extra mile for their union siblings, or are outstanding citizens making a difference in their community or in someone’s life.

If you have these people in your ranks, please consider submitting their names to the Recognition & Awards Committee. Recipients will receive the awards at the Council 4 Biennial Conference Recognition Dinner on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Mystic Marriott Hotel.

Sotonye Otunba-Payne works as a court recording monitor in New Haven Superior Court. She’s the person you see sitting in front of the judge typing every word spoken while court is in session, creating the official record. People anywhere in the world can, and do, request these transcripts, so it’s a responsibility Otunba-Payne always has taken seriously since she started nearly 25 years ago.