Sunday, June 30, 2019

Congratulations Jan

Earlier this week, delegates to #IAMRECON2019 unanimously elected AFT Connecticut prez Jan Hochadel to serve as Co-chair of the Americas for ISP Interamérica PSI - Public Services International.
Public Services International is a global federation of 700 affiliated unions from 163 countries with 30 million members. In this role Jan will advocate as a voice for public services and the workers and union which deliver them.
Jan’s election is not only a well deserved honor for her, it is another opportunity for he to further her advocacy for public services for all people and for the dedicated workers who provide those services.
She is a great choice for this position.

Thanks Ed Leavy

As we end June and enter July, I want to welcome David Hayes as the new Secretary/Treasurer of AFT Connecticut. David has served as President of the Bristol Federation of Teachers and an AFT Connecticut at large Vice President.

I also want to thank SVFT President Ed Leavy for the many years of service he gave while serving in this important role.
Secretary/Treasurer is one of the most demanding roles in the union movement. Serving as a state federation secretary/treasurer means you oversee the work of 90+ locals, including giving trainings and advice.
Ed has performed this role better than any of us could have asked.
I didn’t know Ed well before being elected to my current position. He has been an invaluable adviser to me. More than that, he has become my brother.
He will do well in his new role as AFT Connecticut Public Employee Division Vice President (as well as continue as SVFT president)

Most of all, I am grateful that he will continue to be an adviser, friend and brother.
Thanks Ed.

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Meeting Nancy Pelosi

I had the opportunity to meet the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi the other night.
It was a great honor.
But the biggest honor was to be there representing the 30,000 hardworking members of AFT Connecticut.

Monday, June 10, 2019

Workplace violence protection

Quick overnight to Washington to support my U S Representative Joe Courtney.
He has worked tirelessly to champion the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which will give Healthcare and Social Workers OSHA protections from workplace violence.
Tomorrow is the Committee Markup and it is an honor to join him on this important day.
Thank you to the members of AFT Nurses & Health Professionals AFT Connecticut and the leadership of Randi Weingarten and Jan Hochadel for the work you have done to get us here.
Thank you to the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation for being co-sponsors.
#WorkShouldntHurt.

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Convention thank you

I know I’m a little late, but I want to thank the delegates to the AFT Connecticut Convention and the members they represent for their support.
It is very inspiring to serve as your Vice President.
Congratulations to David Hayes on his election as Secretary/Treasurer and thank you to Ed Leavy for serving in this roll as he now transitions to Divisional Vice President of Public Employees.
Congratulations to the rest of our Executive Committee and welcome to our new members, Joshua Hall, Heather Howlett, and Krista Vermeal.
Thank you also to Jean Morningstar and Erin Benham for your years of dedicated service.

Last, but certainly not least, congratulations to our President, Jan Hochadel.
Under your leadership we have embraced the organizing model of unionism, based on member engagement and empowerment.
Thank you for your leadership, your friendship and your patience.

We have much work ahead of us.
But the 30,000 members of AFT Connecticut are ready.