State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC)

Securing 'Hero Pay' for Unprecedented Service

Thu, 04/27/2023 - 12:30pm
The global COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly the greatest collective challenge our union members have faced in their lifetimes. Securing adequate compensation for the risks taken by frontline "essential" workers has been a daunting and often frustrating challenge. Our latest collective bargaining report highlights how public employee members tapped the power of "Union YES" to move a neutral arbitrator and state lawmakers to show appreciation for their sacrifice.
 

Demanding Action to Reverse Critical Short-Staffing Conditions

Mon, 10/04/2021 - 5:30pm
State employees who provide essential public services are urging Governor Ned Lamont take immediate steps to address safety issues compounded by unprecedented levels of short-staffing. They have requested an extension on his recent executive order mandating COVID-19 vaccinations to avert harmful consequences for frontline workers and the residents who depend on them. Tomorrow's compliance deadline threatens to strain public health and safety services already stretched to the breaking point by staff shortfalls.
 

Mobilizing Because "We Can't Afford to Sit on the Sidelines"

Mon, 05/24/2021 - 6:30pm
Union activists in the final stretch of the 2021 legislative session have escalated efforts to urge better choices while lawmakers and the governor deliberate over a biennial state budget. Among those leading the charge are state employees who have experienced firsthand the negative consequences of decades of failed austerity policies. They have over the past month amplified earlier demands to embrace a "recovery for all" approach by engaging in collective action.
 

Resisting "More Calls for Austerity, Year After Year"

Fri, 02/26/2021 - 1:30pm
Labor activists earlier this year began collaborating with community organizations to help fellow residents recover from the economic fall-out of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. That led to the formation of a new coalition, "Recovery for All," initially focused on securing a state budget in the General Assembly's 2021 legislative session that puts people first. AFT Connecticut is a full partner in these efforts, and is mobilizing members to move lawmakers and the governor to "do better."
 

"No Going Back to Normal" in 2021

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 2:20pm
When I accepted a Connecticut People’s World Committee "Amistad Award" last month, I began my remarks by recognizing our members. They are the ones who are out there fighting the good fights and making — as Congressman John Lewis would have said — "good trouble." I credited our educators and school support staff, nurses and healthcare workers, higher education professionals and public employees who have done amazing things over this past year.
 

Reminding Politicians Union Members Already "Saved the State Billions"

Wed, 06/17/2020 - 5:30pm
The news media last week thrust state employees' contractual benefits into the spotlight following Governor Ned Lamont's public remarks at his daily COVD-19 (novel coronavirus) briefing. His comments further renewed attempts by Republican legislators to push for unlawfully breaking collective bargaining agreements. Elected officials have clearly forgotten the significant labor savings already shoring up the state budget — and must adopt better policy choices than more concessions from union households.
 

Protecting Caregivers' Lives with Solution-Driven Unionism

Tue, 03/31/2020 - 2:30pm
Researchers and students teamed up with engineers and scientists to defend clinical care providers treating patients afflicted by COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). The fruits of their labor will replenish supplies of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline heroes battling the pandemic’s spread. Working together, AFT Connecticut-affiliated local union members, their colleagues, students and administrators are demonstrating the power of collaboration when lives are literally on the line.
 

Higher Ed Coalition Advocates for Legislation to Rein in Board of Regents

Fri, 03/06/2020 - 9:10am
HARTFORD – Faculty and staff from the state's community colleges and regional universities joined forces with students at the Legislative Office Building today for a capitol news briefing to announce a shared legislative agenda. Members of the unions representing Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) employees gathered to urge the Connecticut House and Senate move forward bills that increase financial transparency and accountability at the system office and Board of Regents (BOR). 
 

Safeguarding Public Structures and Taxpayer Dollars

Wed, 01/08/2020 - 6:30pm
The Office of the State Comptroller (OCS) in late December issued the first annual analysis of public employee union members' 2017 agreement to protect jobs and preserve services. Among the key findings; the pact has already netted nearly two billion for Connecticut's treasury. State employees three years ago exercised their collective bargaining rights to lay the groundwork for a projected long-term savings of over $24 billion.
 
Click here for the OSC's SEBAC 2017 agreement report.
 

CSCU Faculty and Professional Unions Issue a Statement of Unity Opposing Consolidation Efforts

Thu, 12/12/2019 - 6:30pm
HARTFORD – The faculty and professional unions that comprise the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) released a joint statement today in opposition to the Board of Regents’ proposal to consolidate the 12 independently accredited community colleges.
 
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