We have been patiently waiting for an official announcement from DAS that the Kronos project has been dramatically scaled back.  That announcement has finally come.  On Friday, 10/4 DAS Commissioner Josh Geballe stated that "we have decided to reduce the project scope to include only the six agencies with 24/7 operations in greatest need of Kronos functionality".  At these agencies, the primary purpose of Kronos is to provide a new scheduling tool for the 24/7 operations, typically replacing the Atlas tool.  The six 24/7 agencies are:

  * ​Department of Children and Families
  * Department of Veterans Affairs
  * Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
  * Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
  * Department of Correction
  * Department of Developmental Services​

You may recall that Kronos was the biometric time-keeping system that the State was in the process of installing at every entrance/egress of each and every facility operated by the State.  A&R spoke against this project frequently as we saw no justification for the state to be spending tens of millions of dollars on a log-in system while at the same time we were taking wage freezes and furloughs.  As we looked into this project further things only got worse: the original RFP didn't include the scope of the project actually purchased; the State was making the unusual move of paying for Kronos related staff increases via bonding; incorrect equipment had been purchased; and the Kronos system didn't "fit" with CORE-CT.  As a result, the Kronos project was an out of scope mess, costing approximately $500,000 per month, and an absolute morale killer.  So naturally, we opposed every bit of it.  To be certain, we were amazed to find that this $30 million project was largely unknown and hidden from our legislators.  We want to thank our partners at AFT-CT who helped us carry the ball in exposing and opposing this project. 

For the vast majority of A&R employees, plans for Kronos deployment have come to an end.  Unfortunately for our brothers and sisters at the six agencies listed above, we still do not know the extent of the project, nor do we know if all employees at these agencies, regardless of their work hours, will be expected to sign-in/out using Kronos.  A&R will try to find the answer to these questions.  If need be, we will file a demand to bargain over any change in working conditions. 

Bottom line:  while we have good news to share with most of our members regarding Kronos, we also must continue the fight at these select remaining agencies.

-posted 10/8

We wanted to share an Op-Ed piece that appeared in the Stamford Advocate.  It was written by our brother Xavier Gordon from AFSCME Local 269.  This is about state employee pensions and stands as a counter-balance to the typical narrative that demonizes public sector pensions...thank you for writing this Xavier!

As a Connecticut state employee and taxpayer, I feel that public service workers are among Connecticut’s greatest assets — and among the most unfairly vilified.

From teachers to sanitation workers to first responders, we care for our children, plow our roads, help the jobless and the poor

It is with a heavy heart that we recognize the courage and professionalism exhibited by the employees responding to and working the scene of the tragic plane crash at Bradley Airport this week.  Many of these professionals are our union brothers and sisters.  During this time of extreme stress for our colleagues, we wanted to let them know that we at A&R are thinking of them and we ask the entire membership to keep these courageous professionals in their thoughts this week.

- 10/4/19

You may have noticed that your dues assessment increased by 23 cents in your most recent paycheck; the increase is by AFT national, which we are constitutionally required to pass along.  There are no increases from AFT Connecticut and dues directly supporting A&R, Local 4200 have remained at the same rate for decades (.40/$100 income). 

We have 3 upcoming events for October:

October 13:  Foxwoods Casino - we typically run this trip to Foxwoods twice per year, everyone that goes knows this is a no lose gamble.   The "freebies" cover the $20 cost of the trip; there is a $15 meal voucher and a $15 slot machine voucher...that's $30 to cover a cost of a $20 trip...we still have space available for anyone who wants to go (view flyer)

October 19:  Salem, MA - (Sold Out) Halloween is always a good time to return to the town where witchcraft was put on trial.  This is not just a tour for Salem, MA, this is an event throughout the town (view flyer)

October 25:  Dave Reilly Comedy Show/Fundraiser for Our Companions - A&R is supporting a fundraiser for Our Companions Animal Rescue and Sanctuary.  The fundraising event will be held at the Gallery in Glastonbury on a Friday night and is being led by our Social Cmte chair Rhonda Salvatore...there will be food, raffle prizes, music by Steps & Sounds (South Windsor, CT), and a comedy show featuring Dave Reilly...if you’ve never seen comedian Dave Reilly, this is a treat.  We expect it to be an entertaining night, so we hope u will come out and enjoy it.  Tickets are $40 but are being sold directly through the charity event via paypal or check, view the flyer for specific payment options.

November 10: Radio City Christmas Spectacular - the biggest holiday show, on the biggest stage, in the biggest city...they call it the "Spectacular" for a reason.  Tickets for the show and travel are $114 each (view flyer)

The CT Society of Governmental Accountants is holding their annual seminar on October 10 and 11 at the Farmington Club (in Farmington).  For those interested, the A&R contract article 31 allows for time and costs to attend professional seminars such as this.  For registration and information on this event, please visit their website.