Workers Rights

Taking Action to Resolve Windham’s Patient Care Crisis

Fri, 09/16/2022 - 2:30pm
Caregivers in the state's "Quiet Corner" are joining the growing chorus of their colleagues across the nation calling strikes when provoked by heartless health chains. Local AFT Connecticut-affiliated union leaders in a joint commentary explained how members reached this difficult decision. Windham Federation of Professional Nurses President Andrea Riley, RN, (left photo, below) and Windham Community Memorial Hospital (WCMH) Employees United President Heather Howlett, CA (right photo) collectively urged support from "all who share our concerns:"
 

Resisting a Deceptive, Anti-Union Agenda

Wed, 08/31/2022 - 3:30pm
Escalating attempts by billionaire-bankrolled local front groups to undermine Connecticut's labor movement are falling flat and destined for failure. That's the message AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel (right, in photo below) delivered in a recent letter to the editor of CT Examiner. She flunked a mouthpiece who in a previous published letter carried water for "shadowy, dark money-funded front groups with an agenda opposed to working peoples' interests:"
 

"U & I in Union:" Stepping Up to Be an "Agent of Change"

Tue, 05/07/2019 - 4:30pm
The power of collective bargaining to make workplace improvements ranks among the most valuable benefits of labor representation. Union members participating in negotiations with their employer are empowered to overcome seemingly intractable challenges and insurmountable obstacles. We're lifting up the recent experience of PreK-12 teachers volunteering for fist-time bargaining team duty who made real, tangible breakthroughs in their new contract.
 

"U & I in Union:" Helping Colleagues See "Better Days Ahead"

Wed, 03/06/2019 - 6:30pm
Outdated labor laws governing private sector workplaces have for decades hindered working people seeking to exercise their collective bargaining rights. A management culture hostile to employees with labor representation has at the same time proliferated, adding to the difficulty. We're sharing the story of healthcare professionals overcoming these obstacles to organize and win a union election through mutual support and workplace solidarity.
 

Comments on Proposals Impacting Public Employee Pension Funding and Benefits

Wed, 02/20/2019 - 3:30pm
AFT Connecticut leaders made the following remarks regarding Governor Ned Lamont’s 2019 legislative proposals released Tuesday impacting retirement security for public school teachers and state employees:
 

Winning in 2018, Overcoming in 2019

Wed, 01/02/2019 - 6:30pm
As we begin a new year, questions remain about the direction for Connecticut and the country. What is not in question is the direction of our union and our labor movement. That's because the "roadmap" state federation leaders adopted in 2017 and which inspired many local affiliates' strategic plans in 2018 are firmly rooted in common guiding principles. Collectively, they demonstrate that the "U & I in Union" assures that when we stand together, we are strong.
 

"U & I in Union:" Striking to Shield Good Jobs

Wed, 12/05/2018 - 6:30pm
Tectonic shifts within the field have in recent years left health professionals in Connecticut facing unpredictable conditions and precarious futures. That increasingly demands a strong defense against misguided management policies prioritizing operating margins over patient care. On the fifth anniversary of striking to protect services and jobs at their community hospital, we're spotlighting union members enjoying greater security since taking collective action.
 

"U & I in Union:" Organizing the Strength to "Survive"

Wed, 10/31/2018 - 12:30pm
Connecticut’s public education workforce in this present era of persistent austerity budget policies has become accustomed to a certain degree of employment instability. In response, the labor movement has in recent years increased our collective focus on protecting jobs that were once considered resilient to economic downturns. In this latest example of the "union difference," we’re sharing the story of school support personnel mobilizing to defend against a massive wave of layoffs in their district.
 

"U & I in Union:" Helping Members "Get Through a Tragedy"

Fri, 08/31/2018 - 5:30pm
The labor movement's founding principle of mutual assistance provides working people both a sense of obligation and source of consolation. That is particularly the case following episodes of workplace violence, when values like support, solidarity and resilience are needed most. We're bringing attention to a PreK-12 teacher who has stepped forward to comfort educators impacted by gun violence and amplified her voice to prevent future senseless tragedies.
 

Providing "Proven Strategies for Building Power"

Sat, 08/18/2018 - 10:30am
Building on successful volunteer-based initiatives spanning the past three years, AFT Connecticut will this fall launch the next generation of its Member Organizer Institute (MOI) program. The effort, jointly funded by our national union, state federation and local affiliates, seeks to build greater participation by offering compensation to our most valuable resource — active members. The application period is now open, and leaders are seeking potential candidates for a paid cohort to begin training in late September.
 
Click here for a fact sheet on the MOI program.
 
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