Full recovery from the impact of the Great Recession has yet to be experienced broadly or equitably in all our state’s communities. Many schools – particularly in urban centers – still face funding shortfalls that weigh heavily on the workforce by depressing pay, degrading benefits and eroding job security. Our latest collective bargaining wins report highlights an AFT Connecticut-affiliated PreK-12 union whose members moved district officials to turn away from austerity and instead embrace investment.
Following years of painful staff and service cuts, teachers in Ansonia Public Schools have ratified two successor contracts, yielding significant economic gains and greater job security. The latest agreement was reached in late August and builds on starting salary boosts won in the previous round of negotiations.
“At our lowest point, when the mayor and former superintendent were at odds, our middle school lost one-third of our staff,” said Ansonia Federation of Teachers President Mat Hough (right, back row, in photo, above).
While all of Connecticut’s urban districts endured layoffs and closures during the Great Recession, Ansonia’s learning crisis was further exacerbated by the actions of its own municipal elected leaders. When the “Copper City’s” mayor hoarded state-appropriated funds earmarked for students, our union members joined local school board officials to hold him accountable by taking him to court.
“Since then, we’ve helped bring about a Renaissance,” added Hough. “So far this year, we’ve cut turnover in half and retained all but three teachers in the middle school.”
In January of 2023, Hough, along with his fellow negotiating committee members and AFT Connecticut Field Representative Ben Wenograd (second from left, back row, above), moved district officials to extend their then-current contract. They additionally succeeded in restructuring the pay scale and securing the first salary increases following years of freezes, laying the groundwork for the further gains they made this summer.
“The last two contracts have allowed us to keep staff and recruit highly skilled veteran teachers to fill vacancies,” added Hough. “At the middle school, where I teach, our staff has become a family. We know we have each other’s backs and that is how we will succeed – by sticking together.”
The latest agreement further restructures the pay scale with new “steps” for veteran members in each of its three years. Annual increases in the final two, as well as boosted stipends for excessive bus duty coverage and extra preparations, will benefit all. The contract additionally keeps members’ healthcare premium share costs far below the current rate of inflation.
Negotiating committee members said their successive contract victories send a message to educators in districts still dealing with chronic underfunding: one of hope and inspiration.
“Hang in there – real progress can happen,” said member Stephanie Parker (seated, in front, above). “When educators stick together through their union and keep speaking up for what’s right, things start to change. Every small win adds up, and before you know it, you’re seeing real investment in your schools, your students and your profession.”
Union members overwhelmingly ratified the tentative agreement in late September, and Ansonia’s full board of education codified it earlier this month. The contract’s provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Seven additional collective bargaining wins have been announced since our previous report in July:
- Natchaug Hospital Unions United – Educators Chapter
- Watertown Federation of Paraprofessionals
- Meriden Federation of Municipal Employees
- Meriden Federation of Education Secretaries
- Mitchell College Faculty Federation
- New Britain Federation of Paraeducators
- Newtown Federation of Teachers
At press time, six additional settled local union contracts that had not yet been publicized were tentatively planned for inclusion in a future update.
