Clarification on a couple of issues related to the $1000/$2000 one-time Lump Sum Payment which is to be received in the July 20 paycheck:

IF RETIRING AT THE END OF JUNE:

• We have confirmed with OLR that members retiring June 30/July 1 are eligible for the Lump Sum Payment
• The payment will be paid in the July 20 check

TAXES AND THE LUMP SUM PAYMENT:

• The one-time Lump Sum Payment is a taxable event (on the Federal level, it is taxed as a "bonus", usually 25%).
• The Federal Income Tax Withholdings can be adjusted by changing your W-4 for the payperiod (and you would need to submit a follow-up W-4 to

Furlough Days

• Furlough days must be taken prior to July 1^st 2018
• Furlough time is like PL time - use it or lose it...please don't call on July 2 saying you forgot to use your furlough day...you paid for them, take them.
• Payroll deductions for furloughs will cease effective paycheck 6/22/18 (the pension pay back will also cease effective paycheck 6/22/18).

One Time Cash Payments

• All members are to receive either $1000 (if at top step) or $2000.  The lump sum will be pro-rated for part-timers
• OLR has made it clear that those retiring on June 30, 2018 will qualify for the payment. 

Contract Book

• The

A&R's Early Summer Picnic is fast approaching.  This year the picnic will be held at La Bella Vista Pavilion, in Waterbury, on July 6.  Cost of the picnic is just $15.  All A&R members are welcome to attend.

Deadlines to register:

• June 19 - Payments by mail must be received at the union office by this date
• June 25 - Payments in person must be made at the union office by noon of this date.
• Registration/payments cannot be made at the Pavilion on the day of the event -  the above deadlines must be met.

Registration Form

KNOW YOUR CONTRACTUAL BENEFITS

All union members are eligible "to receive one-half day off with pay to attend (1) annual picnic and one (1) holiday party".

The above right is specified in MOU III (page 92 of the green book).

We look forward to seeing our brothers and sisters at the picnic.

- posted 6/6

We have just nine tickets left to this event.  Please act fast as these tickets will be gone soon!

• What:     Yankees vs.Astros Baseball game
• Where:   Yankee Stadium
• When:    Tuesday, May 29^th
• How:       By coach bus

For the low price of $49/person you get entry to the game and coach bus transportation to and from the game to Cromwell.

View Flyer

The most recent legislative session echoed other recent legislative sessions where certain State Reps and State Senators such as Candelora, Fasano, Klarides and others tried to advance two main goals:

1) Remove Pension/Healthcare from negotiations so they can install a straight 401(k) plan

2) End pension COLAs.  This would make your pension a diminishing benefit.  Your pension would remain the exact same dollar value for your life but inflation would make the value of those dollars worth less each year. 

These items again died in the legislative process thanks in large part to lobbying efforts to

Over 400 A&R members work at the Department of Revenue Services.  DRS is one of the largest agencies at which A&R members work.  Their work is both challenging and an important public service.  Based on countless conversations we have had with members, we are aware that the workplace environment at DRS is neither healthy nor conducive to high morale.  This has been especially true in recent years from all levels of the agency.   A&R has been responding to many common themes including rampant favoritism, lack of respect in the workplace, an uncaring/unresponsive senior management team, and, not