In recent weeks A&R sent 2 letters to the State demanding contract negotiations for a successor agreement.  The State has responded and is seeking dates to meet with A&R.  At that initial meeting "ground rules" for the contract negotiations will be established.  We do not have that initial date set as of yet, but will keep you updated.  Chief Negotiator Christine Buck along with Vice President Mike Myles and President John DiSette are seeking to have that initial meeting with the State either in late October or early November.

The Negotiation Committee has done a great job pulling the Union's

Rowland Update - 10/12/2015...Next Steps, The Payout Process

The recent budget reductions of $105m imposed by the Governor have led to the inevitable concerns by many of our members regarding state employee concessions.  To be certain, there have been no concession discussions between the Unions and the State despite the chatter that is rippling.  It is clear that A&R has no desire to allow further erosion of our Pension or Healthcare benefits.  The current chatter relates to furloughs days (CTMirror Article 10/2/2015) and (Governor Malloy WFSB 10/5/2015) but absolutely nothing has been raised to the Unions.  Despite the larger budget discussions, these issues will not deter A&R from seeking to engage the State in our own contract bargaining.  The current State budget incorporates raises of 2.5% for employees for July 2016 - June 2017.  Further, several "language" issues within our contract need to be addressed, and that can only be done via direct negotiations with the state.  Budget problems are universal, cyclical, and common and shall not derail our goal of negotiating our contract with the State.

The judge overseeing the Rowland Layoff case has approved the settlement.

More information to be posted.

Whole Foods: for a Healthier and More Energetic You is the topic of A&R's next Professional Development workshop.  In this workshop you will learn how a whole food diet can heal, transform, and energize your life.  You will not only gain knowledge about healthy eating but will also learn how to reduce stress in your life.  Enjoy the day among your Union brothers and sisters and learn how to treat yourself better.

When: November 2, 4, and 6 (Attend  1 day only)

Where: The Spa at Norwich Inn - 607 West Thames Street, Norwich

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.

Registration form

Informational flyer

Join your Union brothers and sisters for good food, good spirit, and good company at A&R's 34^th Annual Holiday Party.

1. When: Friday, December 4^th, 1:00 p.m.
2. Where: Aqua Turf Club - Southington, CT
3. Ticket Deadlines:
   • By mail - November 18^th
   • Walk-Ins at A&R Office - November 24^th 12:30 p.m.
   • SORRY NO CASH ACCEPTED via mail or walk-in

Info/Registration

We will again be collecting toys at the Annual Holiday Party.  The United Labor Agency will distribute the toys to union members who are unemployed or on strike.  See details on the registration form.