-1/22/26

Wanted to let everyone know that there has been some movement on the A&R Contract.  This week we were able to discuss with the State an acceptable wage package that we think could be the basis/path to a full contract agreement.  We are not close on the details beyond the basic framework for wage increases but, let's face it, wage increases and telework are the most important pieces and have been the main hindrance to attaining an agreement for A&R.  We will be meeting with the State a couple of times this week/next week and hopefully we can start coming to terms on the finer details

-1/22/26

Snow Days/Office Closings

It’s winter and we can expect some snowy conditions over the next few months so we just wanted to give a quick reminder on how to operate on snow days.

• First, if you are scheduled to telework, then your day is a normal day regardless of whether offices are closed to the public or a delayed opening or early closing occurs.
• If you are scheduled “in-office” on a snowy day, then you have an extra hour to arrive at the office without using your accrued time. If "exceptional" conditions exist, then an extra 1.5 hours are allowed in addition to the 1 hour (Article 16

We can confirm that the State Employee pension fund hit its target goal of a 6.9% return rate and therefore employees in the Tier 4 Pension plan will avoid the 2% surcharge from July 1, 2026 thru June 30, 2027.   We do not have the precise return rate but it is above the 6.9% target so the 'risk-share' assessment will not be imposed.

Quick update on Contract Negotiations: one of our sister unions CEUI Local 511 (generally referred to as "the maintainers") has come to an agreement on their contract.  Their agreement includes a 2.5% GWI + steps for 3 years (retroactive to July 1, 2025).  Although

-12/23/25

First:  The A&R Office will close at noon on Wednesday 12/24 and will not re-open until Monday 12/29.  The office will close again at noon on 12/31 and won't re-open until Monday January 5th.

Second:  Our 43rd Annual A&R Convention will be held on Thursday April 9, 2026.  The Convention will start promptly at 5:00PM and will be held at the A&R Office (805 Brook St Building 4, Rocky Hill, CT).  All active A&R members (and ONLY active A&R members) are welcome to attend at no charge; food will be available.

Third:  It has been quite a long journey yet we are still haggling with the State

John Krawshuk, a good friend, a devoted union steward, and the A&R 2nd Vice President officially retired on December 1, 2025!  We start with the usual congratulations to John K but we find it more appropriate to give a giant "thank you" for all that he has done for his fellow union members.  There are few who have dedicated the time and effort to our union like JK did.  He was on the A&R executive board, our social committee, our professional development committee, he has served as our Convention Cmte Chair several times and was involved in nearly everything we did.  He always brought a laugh

After a full year at the bargaining table without reaching a settlement on our successor contract, A&R has officially declared impasse and filed with the SBMA for interest arbitration. This was not the outcome we had hoped for as arbitration carries risks when the goal is to establish a fair and collaborative labor agreement.

With the next legislative session set to begin and end within the next six months—and the Governor’s Office continuing to propose inadequate wage packages—our Negotiation Committee and Executive Board have both voted to move forward with interest arbitration. This step is