We encourage members to participate in political action events that promote equality and justice in the workplace, not only at the local (state) level, but nationally as well.  Here are two upcoming events, one in Washington, DC, the other in Hartford, CT.  We encourage members to participate.

Events:

• Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, January 21, 2017:  Express your concerns about equity and fairness in the workplace.  Buses are being reserved for anyone who wishes to attend but a seat on the bus needs to be reserved by December 21st.  Information on Bus locations

• Legislative Conference at the Legislative Office Building on Feb 4 (see flyer).  We know it sounds boring, but this event, sponsored by AFT - CT actually is a very insightful event.  It is worth giving up a Saturday morning to attend this conference that features planning and discussion of key public policy issues being addressed by AFT Connecticut and affiliated unions in the General Assembly's 2017 legislative session.

posted 12/19/16

Pension Funding Agreement:
The Pension Funding agreement signed last week still has to go before the legislature.  Generally, Labor/Management agreements are placed on the legislative calendar and will pass after 30 days if there is not a vote on the agreement (the Legislature will convene in January 2017).  In a preview of what's to come, the Republican caucus in both chambers of the legislature are pushing for a vote on the agreement rather than letting it pass without a vote.  The main sticking point for the Republican caucus is that the agreement does not include higher pension contributions from State employees.  Since it was the legislature that underfunded the pension for 70 years, perhaps the next agreement should require current legislators to cough up their salaries to cover the pension liability rather than continuing to demand that current employees pay for the debt the legislature created.  CTMirror article on the political battle

posted 12/19/16

Pension Funding Agreement:
The Pension Funding agreement signed last week still has to go before the legislature.  Generally, Labor/Management agreements are placed on the legislative calendar and will pass after 30 days if there is not a vote on the agreement (the Legislature will convene in January 2017).  In a preview of what's to come, the Repbulican caucus in both chambers of the legislature are pushing for a vote on the agreement rather than letting it pass without a vote.  The main sticking point for the Republican caucus is that the agreement does not include higher pension

No Change to Employee Healthcare, Retirement or other Benefits or Contributions

Union leaders and the Governor have arrived at a plan that DOES NOT impact retirement benefits or employee contributions.  This is a pension funding change which will ensure that future pension obligations can be met and the pension system remains stable.  This plan will still need approval from the legislature.

We are all aware that the pension fund is far below "fully funded" status.  The Governor had been aiming to pay off the unfunded liabilities by 2032 through increasing annual pension payments.  Each year, the

PL TIME - USE IT OR LOSE IT

PL time expires at the end of the year.  This applies to all PL time, including time awarded as part of the "Rowland Lawsuit".  If you received PL time as part of the settlement, be aware that this time will expire at the end of the year. 

"Rowland Lawsuit" PL time expires 12/31/16 as does all other PL time

This does NOT apply to any vacation time awarded as a result of the lawsuit.   Vacation time awarded will be:

"in the form of permanent SEBAC vacation time.  Your award will be converted to such permanent vacation time at your current rate of pay and will appear on CORE by a special SEBAC vacation designation.  Permanent SEBAC vacation days can be carried over without limit until you leave state employment and can be used at any time or can be saved until you leave employment.  The value of those vacation days will increase as your pay rate increases.  You will be paid for those vacation days at your then-current rate of pay when you use them (or redeem them upon leaving state service)."

posted 12/8/16

For several months, the A&R Negotiations team has been working diligently to arrive at a negotiated settlement with the State.  However, experience has shown that the State is unwilling to make progress in contract negotiations.  The State continues to insist on wage freezes, the elimination of most benefits of your contract language, and to vastly restrict and/or entirely eliminate Alternative Work Schedules (AWS). 

A&R is not alone in its frustration at the bargaining table.  The State has had a year to negotiate over a dozen contracts, yet hasn't settled a single one.  This is not an