A&R would like to pass along a very happy retirement wish to our 2nd Vice President Tommy Smalls (DRS) who has decided to hang up his gloves and venture into his new role as 'retiree' at the end of July 2025.  Tommy surfaced as a stand-out A&R Steward at DRS over 10 years ago and ascended to be our 2nd VP in 2021.  Tommy has been the key figure in stabilizing the labor/mgmt relations at DRS; an agency which employs 450 A&R employees...but beyond that, Tommy is one of the most loyal and dedicated friends you could ask for, he is the guy you could always count on to stand at your side through

As you most likely know, three of our fellow state employee unions have declared impasse, having grown frustrated by the administration’s lackluster offer which was a wage freeze with steps (for some) and a meager lump sum for 2025/26, followed by three years of 0% wages and no steps in all other years.  The A&R negotiating team is just as frustrated as everyone else who is dealing with this administration.  We believe that employees need a wage increase which mirrors our growing personal expenses and acknowledges the rising consumer price indexes. A state that has completed the last several

The Comptroller's Office is conducting an audit of dependents covered under the employee healthcare plan.  Remember, children can remain on the healthcare/dental plan until the end of the calendar year in which they turn age 26 then must be removed (with exceptions for some disabilities).  No boyfriends/girlfriends, roommates etc are to be covered.  Ex-spouses are not to be covered unless directed by the court; although the employee cost of the "family" plans will  not change, the ex-spouse still needs to be removed upon final dissolution of marriage.   If any of these situations are currently

06/27/25

The current A&R contract will expire on Monday June 30, 2025.  A&R has agreed to a contract extension with the State; this means that the terms of the current (soon to expire) contract will continue as is until we have a successor agreement in place.  The State has not moved off of 0% wage increases so we have not come to an agreement on a new contract  Without a contract in place, there will be not be a salary increase on July 1.  Hopefully we will have an agreement soon and put it out to the membership for a vote but until then, know that A&R continues to engage the State and we are

AFT-CT is offering a free "Street Medic" training program for its members (all A&R members are members of AFT-CT).  If you are someone who is interested in being a little more of an activist and want the distinction of being a medic at a protest or rally or any gathering then this 3-hour course is a must...it's an intense class but so is the role of "street medic".  This class has become very popular and there are limited spots available for the two time-slots being made available: Either Monday July 7 at 4pm - 7pm or Tuesday July 8 from 9am - 12pm.  Both offerings will be at the AFT-CT Office

Every year we have several A&R members who run for office in their municipality; A&R absolutely encourages this and we want to let everyone know that we do support our members with endorsements and mailings if you share our support for the labor movement and you are seeking local office.  If you are running for local office this year, please look for our Endorsement Form on this website later this summer so we can help get you elected.  Further, if you are considering a bid for local office, all A&R members have access to a candidate training program formed by the CT AFL-CIO called Path-to