AFT Local 5119

The recent pattern begun last year of affiliated local unions negotiating contracts with solid pay increases has over the past 90 days continued to be repeated. Our latest collective bargaining report features one such affiliate whose leadership overcame historic inequities to win a ground-breaking new agreement in negotiations with their employer. Members' personal progress will additionally benefit the community they serve as the provisions promise to stabilize the workforce for years to come.

 

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Governor Ned Lamont nearly two weeks ago issued an executive order closing all public schools in Connecticut. Among the unintended consequences were furloughs and layoffs of education support personnel — including nurses and health professionals — in districts across the state. AFT Connecticut and affiliated local union leaders responded to the crisis by negotiating opportunities to re-deploy affected members to the frontlines of the pandemic.

 

Despite providing the majority of direct and supportive patient care in the field, women historically have not held an equivalent share of leadership positions in hospitals or healthcare organizations. A similar imbalance exists in American politics and is evident in elected offices ranging from local school boards to Congress. During the month in which women's history month is celebrated, we're spotlighting a union member bucking these trends and "trailblazing" within the labor movement, in her industry and her community.

 

New London - Nurses, medical assistants, and healthcare workers at a Lawrence + Memorial Medical Group (LMMG) outpatient facility are reacting to progress in their effort to unite for a voice on the job. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regional director on Monday issued a decision clearing the way for employees at the Howard Street medical office building to vote to form a union. The decision followed an investigation by the federal employment agency that began when an overwhelming majority of the facility's employees signed cards expressing their desire to join AFT Connecticut.