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Giving Voice to "Overwhelmed" Educators

Mon, 05/18/2020 - 3:30pm
A third survey of teachers jointly coordinated by labor and media partners presented a complex picture of distance learning challenges during the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. The effort was conducted at a critical time, helping guide the work of the official state "re-open" advisory group's education subcommittee. Union members' input ultimately proved instrumental in prioritizing student and staff safety, helping assure that buildings would remain closed for the current school year.
 
Click here for the full survey results.
 

Ensuring a Role for School Support Staff in Distance Learning

Thu, 04/16/2020 - 3:30pm
Education personnel across Connecticut faced an uncertain future when in mid March their buildings were closed to slow the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). By exercising negotiating rights and tapping political strength, union leaders were able to keep members engaged in remote distance learning — and earning their paychecks. Their action assured the school year isn’t lost for countless schoolchildren and protected the primary source of income for thousands of working families.
 

Demanding Lawmakers "Lift Up Working Families"

Thu, 04/09/2020 - 5:30pm
Connecticut's labor movement has been laser-focused on protecting working people since COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) began wreaking havoc as a full-blown global pandemic. The priority has been meeting the needs of those serving on the frontlines — health professionals, first responders and public safety professionals. At the same time, union leaders are teaming up for action aimed at preserving the livelihoods of working people facing layoffs, furloughs, reduced hours and shutdowns.
 

Protecting Caregivers' Lives with Solution-Driven Unionism

Tue, 03/31/2020 - 2:30pm
Researchers and students teamed up with engineers and scientists to defend clinical care providers treating patients afflicted by COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). The fruits of their labor will replenish supplies of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline heroes battling the pandemic’s spread. Working together, AFT Connecticut-affiliated local union members, their colleagues, students and administrators are demonstrating the power of collaboration when lives are literally on the line.
 

Empowering School Nurses to Fight the Pandemic

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 5:30pm
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.
 

Higher Ed Coalition Advocates for Legislation to Rein in Board of Regents

Fri, 03/06/2020 - 9:10am
HARTFORD – Faculty and staff from the state's community colleges and regional universities joined forces with students at the Legislative Office Building today for a capitol news briefing to announce a shared legislative agenda. Members of the unions representing Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) employees gathered to urge the Connecticut House and Senate move forward bills that increase financial transparency and accountability at the system office and Board of Regents (BOR). 
 

Preparing for a Possible Public Health Emergency

Sat, 02/29/2020 - 1:30pm
The continuing spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) across the globe and here in the U.S. is a growing concern. As professionals working with students, patients and the general public, our members must be prepared — not panicked. We are working with our national union and state public health officials to provide tools and information in the event of a possible outbreak in Connecticut.
 
Click here for AFT's round-up of coronavirus resources.
 

Anxiety and Trauma Top Challenges Facing Students, Survey Finds

Wed, 02/19/2020 - 6:30pm
HARTFORD - Connecticut is ranked among the best states in the country for K-12 education; however, findings from a new 2020 CEA/AFT CT/WFSB survey should raise alarms. Teachers increasingly find themselves in unsafe work environments, encountering more children impacted by trauma or anxiety, and dealing with a persistent shortage of school counselors, social workers and other supports necessary for their students.
 
Click here for an executive summary of the results.
 

Making Gains "That Weren't Given to Us"

Fri, 01/31/2020 - 6:30pm
Gallup last year reported that Americans' approval of labor unions in 2019 continued its decade-long upward trend. A clear driver is the pay differential; wages and salaries average 10 to 30 percent higher for workers able to exercise collective bargaining rights to secure employment contracts. We’re spotlighting two recent examples that show how this "union difference" works at the negotiating table for new and veteran members alike. 
 

Remaining Vigilant to "Open Doors for More Families"

Sat, 01/18/2020 - 11:30am
Hartford families and education advocates earlier this month reached a settlement with local and state officials in the 30-year-old Sheff v. O'Neill, et al. desegregation lawsuit. While the agreement adds more than 1,000 new magnet slots in the region, it comes up short on resolving racial isolation in the Capitol City's traditional neighborhood schools. Following news of the resolution, civil rights activists and union leaders warned against complacency in the fight for equity for students struggling with poverty.
 
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