Updated 2/21/2017

Many have realized that the Top Step Payment was not included in last months paychecks.  This should not have been a surprise as the State views the Top Step Payment as akin to Step Increases which are not granted when there is no date specified for the Step Increment .  It is A&R's position that the Top Step Payment should be paid, regardless.  As such we filed an institutional grievance for payment.  The Step 2 hearing is scheduled on 2/23/17.  In addition to the grievance:

• We introduced language at the negotiations table seeking to ensure payment of the top step payment in future years regardless of wage freezes, and;

• We will seek back-pay remedies in our successor contract for both the Top Step Payment and Step Increases.

Posted 2/21/2017

Mediator has been selected

Mediation dates March 8th & 9th

In an effort to advance contract negotiations, A&R and the State have agreed to mediation.  Our goal is to make progress on some contract language issues.  Although mediation is not binding on either party, it is hoped that tentative agreements can be reached on some of the less contentious contract language issues.

Mediation is much faster and less expensive than arbitration.  These efforts will not prevent or delay binding arbitration procedures, which we are still pursuing.  While some progress can be made via mediation

There are three scholarship programs available each year for AFT-affiliated union members and their families.  As a member of A&R, you have access to these scholarship programs.  The 2017 application windows for these valuable benefits are now open:

1. AFT Connecticut awards two $2,500.00 scholarships annually; one to a member for their own higher education and another for a spouse, domestic partner or child of a member;
2. Our national AFT's Robert G. Porter Scholars Program offers one-time $1,000.00 grants to union members and four-year, $8,000.00 scholarships to their dependents;
3. Union Plus awards grants to members and their families ranging from $500.00 to $4,000.00 each year

AFT - CT Scholarship Information & Application Forms

Posted 1/26/17

Our Union has a long and proud history of awarding academic scholarships to deserving children of its members.  Award winners will be recognized for their accomplishments at the Union's Annual Convention, to be held April 20^th.

This year, A&R will be awarding 16 scholarships to qualifying children of members:

• Ten scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each will go to 2017 high school graduates or seniors who have been accepted to and will be entering a post-secondary educational institution.
• Five awards in the amount of $1,500 each will go to post secondary students who are continuing their

The Legislative Session is now underway and several proposed bills are making their way through the legislative process.  With the new "power-sharing" rules in the State Senate, it is not surprising that many of the proposed bills are anti-labor.  What is surprising is the nature and impact of some of the bills.  Perhaps the most blatant example of this is house bill #5200, which would impose a thirty percent transaction fee on your pension if you move out of state.  This is a silly bill which wouldn't be supported by a court, but none-the-less, this is what some of our legislators sit around

Rowland Settlement Update 1/17/17