Step Increases/Top Step Payments:  Step Increases were effective on December 29th, 2023 and show up in your January 25th paycheck.  Those already on the 9th Step (the top step) will instead receive a 2.5% Top Step Payment (in the form of a lump sum) in that check.  These increases represent the third year of our four year contract.

The above increases were negotiated previously and are incorporated within our current contract.  Wage increases for the upcoming fiscal year (the final year of our contract) are governed by a re-opener provision.  This means that wage increases for the period

Now that the winter weather is finally upon us, we want to remind members how to conduct themselves in accordance with the contract. 

Lateness Due to Inclement Weather
Drive safely and know that Article 16 Section 6 of the A&R contract incorporates lateness due to inclement weather.  When there is inclement weather, hazardous driving conditions or a mass transportation failure, then tardiness for up to 1 hour is not to be charged to an employee.  There is then discretion given for an additional 1-1/2 hours (for a total of 2-1/2 hours) based on the severity of the conditions.  New language to

A&R is aware that some agencies are notifying employees that "your union" will reimburse you for In-Service training...that is incorrect!  In-service training is covered by the agency.  The costs of in service training are covered by the employer because in-service training is training the employer has determined is necessary for your job.  The A&R Professional Development Fund is not utilized to support in-service training (and there is nowhere near the amount of funding available needed to cover the costs of in-service training for our 3,000 members).  If you are signing up for In-Service

Service Ratings are due by the end of September (no need to remind anyone to do your rating, just know they are due).  Here are a few key points regarding the Service Ratings, more details can be found in the A&R Contract under Article 10:

• You must sign it even if you don’t agree with the rating, signing it is not agreement.  It is your contractual obligation to acknowledge that it was given to you.  
• If your ratings are all Satisfactory or better, then you cannot grieve the ratings.
• If your ratings are all Satisfactory or better, then it is up to you whether you want to accept the

We have several vacancies in the steward ranks due to the recent retirement wave. We are looking for the next generation of union stewards to step forward to protect and serve our fellow members. The time to apply is now and we welcome your application. If you think one of your union brothers/sisters may make a great steward, please tell them and encourage them to apply.

Applications are welcome from any agency. Our greatest current needs are it at DRS, DAS, DESPP, DMV, OPM, and DEEP, (both Hartford and PURA in New Britain).

Union stewards advocate for their colleagues in the workplace

We have become aware that an email is circulating amongst the staff at DRS requiring A&R union members attending the upcoming Professional Development seminar to justify in writing to their supervisor how the seminar relates to the employee's job assignment, in order to have the leave approved.  The requirement DRS is imposing misses the fact that the seminar, which is being sponsored by A&R, has long ago received all necessary approvals from the Office of Labor Relations.  We developed the seminar's framework with the explicit intent and understanding that it be applicable and beneficial to