AFT Connecticut

Backus Federation of Nurses secure first contract

The Backus Federation of Nurses at Backus Hospital, Norwich, Conn., have secured their first collective bargaining contract which includes safe working provisions as well as professional and economic standards. These provisions will help to recruit and retain experienced RNs, AFT Connecticut announced today. AFT Connecticut is the largest representative of acute care hospital workers in Connecticut.

Since 1995, Zillionaires Have Received Biggest Tax Breaks

There's always a lot of noise on campaign trails about cutting taxes. But as the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) points out, the real question is: Whose taxes?

Technicality Snarls Fairer NLRB Union Election Rules

Based on a technicality, a federal judge rejected commonsense rules making National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) union elections fairer.

From left: Ed Cmte Co-Chairs Rep. Fleischmann, Sen. Stillman, Senate Pres Pro Tem Williams, Lt. Gov. Wyman, Gov. Malloy, Speaker of the House Donovan

AFT Connecticut praises education reform legislation

The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 458 unanimously by a vote of 149-0, Feb. 8. Earlier that day the State Senate passed SB 458 by a vote of 28-7. The bill now moves on to the governor to be signed into law.

Saundra McCauley named AFT 2012 Everyday Hero

AFT has named Saundra McCauley, a School Nurse, from West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses, Local 1547, a 2012 Everyday Hero.

House of Representatives passes FMLA for Paraprofessionals

With a victory in the house, paraprofessionals are on the verge of gaining access to family medical leave. SB 150 now heads to the Governor for his signature.

On May 4, take a stand against bullying

On Friday, May 4, AFT members across the country will stand up to bullying on Stand4Change Day. As part of the AFT’s ongoing “See a Bully, Stop a Bully” campaign, students and teachers will join in the Stand 4 Change demonstration at schools throughout the United States. Watch the promo video.

Win a week’s car rental from Union Plus

Looking to save a little money on you next vacation? Let Union Plus put you in the driver’s seat. Enter the new Union Plus contest for a chance to win a week-long car rental. All you need to do is click here and register for program e-mails and mobile alerts. Union Plus will keep you posted about valuable new benefits, future contests and more. Register by June 30 for a chance to win. And even if you don’t win, remember that as a union member you are always eligible for up to 25 percent off car rentals. Click here for details.

The 99 Percent Solution to the Retirement Security Crisis

The Washington Post recently ran a lengthy article explaining the difficulties Americans face in providing for a secure retirement, as traditional pension plans become less common and 401(k) savings accounts prove to be frighteningly inadequate.

States' Commitment to Early Childhood Programs Slipping

A new report on the quality of state-funded early childhood education shows that after a decade of progress that has expanded enrollments and increased quality, states' commitment to these vital programs is slipping.