Amistad Awards “Rise Up” for Working Class Power

Unity, inspiration and solidarity flowed through the packed gym in the Dixwell Q House during the People's World Amistad Awards, an atmosphere born from a year of hard workingclass struggles for dignity, respect and representation.

Themed “Rise Up! Time to be the Leaders of Today – Seize the Moment and the Future is Ours,” the spirited, diverse crowd of grass roots community and union members and leaders and elected officials, reflected the battles for workers' rights, equity and social justice underway in Connecticut and across the country.

Taking their seats to the live sounds of vibraphonist jazz composer Jay Hoggard and band, the excitement of the afternoon was high among family and friends of this year's awardees including Mustafa Salahuddin, president of Amalgamated Transit Union 1336 in Bridgeport, Leslie Blatteau, president of New Haven Federation of Teachers 933 (AFT CT), and Salwa Mogaddedi, Starbucks Workers United barista in Vernon.

The December 10 event also stood in solidarity with Local 33 Unite Here graduate workers at Yale who thanked everyone for the support of their union election held the previous week culminating a 30 year effort.

Hosted on the occasion of the 103^rd anniversary of the Communist Party USA, the event gave special recognition to Brian Steinberg who, four decades ago, developed the model in Hartford of People's World neighborhood routes as the basis for Communist Party clubs, now practiced throughout Connecticut and beyond.

The Special Recognition was presented by Alicia Roman-Delgado, the chair of the first such Communist Party club formed in the 1980's in Hartford's south end, and her daughter Chachie Roman. Steinberg was recognized for his “lifelong, unwavering commitment to equality and a better world.”

Accepting the recognition he said “I would like to congratulate all of you for building a united front in Connecticut that beat Trump, and we did it all together.”

2003 Amistad Awardee John Harrity, retired machinists union leader and chair of the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, presented the People's World Amistad Award to Mustafa Salahuddin. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Salahuddin credited his parents who taught him to be a pioneer, leading him to devote his life to stand up for everyday people and workers' rights.

Appreciating the Communist Party's commitment to “people before profits,” he told the audience ”communism gets a bad name because it’s about the people. The powers that be don’t want us to embrace socialism and the Communist Party, because they don’t want it to be about the people, they want it to be about themselves,” he said. Salahuddin concluded his remarks with a call for action on climate change.

2019 Amistad Awardee Ken Suzuki, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 34 UNITE HERE presented the award to Leslie Blatteau, who was elected president of the teachers union in New Haven just one year ago with a full slate. Reflecting on her years as a teacher developing an anti-racist classroom, she drew lessons for her new role in the labor movement with goals to engage her union members during times of intense stress and crisis, to work collectively for an intergenerational coalition to equalize funding for public education so all students can have the quality schools and resources they deserve.

Citing the contributions of African American women in history, she stressed to applause, “We must work to be anti-racist, because if not we're perpetuating our country's racist policies and laws embedded in the history and current practices.”

2017 Amistad Awardee State Rep. Robyn Porter presented Salwa Mogaddedi with her award. Salwa, a barista worker at Starbucks in Vernon, helped organize her co-workers to unionize this year while battling cancer. Salwa called for worker’s unity to create real change. “We have all seen first-hand how collective activity has the capacity to command change,” she said recalling a time years ago when her father along with other immigrant workers went on strike for safety on the job. “It only took my father and his co-workers a single day of striking before management acquiesced and installed fans and they returned to work.”

Salwa shared her own experiences working in the service industry since her teens, and the unfair treatment of workers including her Afghan refugee parents, and called for solidarity with workers striking today for dignity across the country and the globe.

A call to action from Connecticut Communist Party USA chair Joelle Fishman and organizer Jahmal Henderson brought the program together. Fishman credited the power of the event to the upsurge in organizing and movement building underway, citing the need to continue on. Henderson invited the attendees to “ join the Communist Party for a life with a purpose as the strongest way to organize and place that demand, repeating the theme of the awards "Seize the Moment and the Future is Ours."

The entire event was dedicated to Communist leader Art Perlo, a founding member of Local 34 Unite Here at Yale, who passed away this year. The audience rose in standing ovation following a video tribute with photos and quotes from Perlo, concluding “When ordinary people organize there is no limit to what we can achieve.”

Emcees Lisa Bergmann and Ben McManus kicked off the event with a virtual greeting from Alder Jeanette Morrison, who fought tirelessly over a decade to win the funding to rebuild the iconic Q House, open for just one year, as a centerpiece for youth and all ages in Dixwell, the heart of the Black community in New Haven.

Pandemic Pay, Utility and Rental Aid Open Amidst Demands

As the crisis of affordable housing and energy escalates, demands for funds to assist thousands of families worried about how to make it through the winter months moved the legislature to take some action in its special session.

Anger and organizing went into high gear when the promised $1,000 pandemic bonus pay for essential workers who risked their lives was almost cut back due to the lack of funds allocated.

The demand to represent the needs of workers in the special session last week was made clear. As a result the $35 million pandemic pay fund was increased to $105 million. It was announced that the full $1,000 bonus will be coming to everyone who applied and earns less than $50,000. a year.

In a strong statement, Shellye Davis, Executive Vice President of the CT AFL CIO declared ““With a projected multi-billion dollar surplus and the largest Rainy Day Fund our state has ever seen, Gov. Lamont and the legislature need to fully fund the pandemic pay program for essential workers. In fact, this program should be expanded to include municipal essential workers who were left out.”

Assistance for rent, mortgage and utilities for working class families has also been secured, while challenges against utility company rate hikes proceed. During the special legislative session funding for LIHEAP (Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program) was increased to $127 million to assist residents struggling with heating costs.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, (CEAP,) helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. To apply, visit this link. on-line or contact your local Community Action Agency.

Also starting this month funds have been allocated to restart UniteCT, the eviction prevention program which closed in March. The Department of Housing is also accepting applications for the Rent Bank.

Persistence on the part of those who apply remains necessary due to inadequate staffing to process applications.

Anyone who has been issued a Notice to Quit or any other eviction papers should immediately call Statewide Legal Services at (800) 453-3320 to discuss the case with legal aid, or apply online at: CT Online Application (slsct.org).  Information is also available at: EvictionHelpCT.org – Providing help to eligible tenants facing eviction or loss of housing subsidy.

People's World Amistad Awards Set for Dec 10

Excitement is building for the December 10 People's World Amistad Awards as demands for dignity, respect and workers' rights grow in Connecticut and across the country. Themed “Rise Up! Time to be the leers of Today – Seize the Moment and the Future is Ours” the awards will honor three grass roots leaders and organizers, Mustafa Salahuddin, Leslie Blatteau and Salwa Mogaddedi.

Mustafa Salahuddin, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1336, is a labor and climate justice activist and leader. He was elected president of his local nine years ago, and has worked tirelessly to fight for fair wages, retirement benefits and improved working conditions for the betterment of the 466 mechanics, transit/para-transit operators, school bus drivers, dispatchers and service workers. Mustafa's focus is towards renewable energy that will impact transit workers and the planet now and in the future.

Leslie Blatteau is completing her first year as president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers addressing teacher retention, well being, working conditions and learning conditions during a period of unprecedented educator vacancies. The union just ratified a strong contract securing historic raises and ensuring their seat at the table. Leslie prioritizes member engagement and activism, as well as partnership with students, parents, and families, toward building a coalition to fight for the schools their communities deserve. As a high school teacher. Leslie strived to create an anti-racist and student-centered classroom.

Salwa Mogaddedi is an Afghan-American woman and labor organizer, born and raised in California to refugee parents. As a result of her upbringing, and the experiences of her parents and family, she has always been passionate in the fight for human and labor rights. As a Starbucks barista. She and her co-workers organized against the unfair and unsafe working conditions in their workplace and won a union recognition election in July.  When Salwa was diagnosed and fighting cancer, she remained one of the key union organizers and worked tirelessly to help her workplace gain union representation.

 

The event will also pay special recognition to Brian Steinberg who has built the readership of People's World as an organizing tool in Hartford and Connecticut for many years.

The Starbucks workers and graduate teachers in Local 33 Unite Here at Yale who are voting for union recognition this week will receive solidarity support during the event.

A performance by renowned vibraphonist and jazz composer Jay Hoggard will complete the program.

The Awards are dedicated to Art Perlo, whose living legacy carries on in the struggle for transformational change to put people, peace and planet before profits.

The event will be held at the historic Dixwell Q House, 197 Dixwell Avenue in New Haven on Saturday, December 10 at 4 pm. Tickets are $10. Scholarship tickets are available. For advance tickets visit https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/2022-amistad-awards . For more information messages can be left at 203-524-8664.

Union Organizing Surges, to be Celebrated at Amistad Awards

Union organizing has escalated in Connecticut since the November 8 mid-term election victories.

All summer and fall, labor and community allies worked tirelessly speaking with voters, listening to their concerns, and getting out the vote to reject MAGA Republicans' anti-worker agenda. Two new union leaders were elected to the state legislature and Rep. Jahana Hayes and the entire Congressional delegation was re-elected.

Now, grad workers at Yale University are mobilizing for their own election to win recognition of Unite Here Local 33. They delivered a petition to the NLRB signed by 3,000 of the 4.000 grad workers. For the first time in 30 years, the University is not blocking the election process.

Baristas at Starbucks are pressing forward for union recognition and a contract. A national Solidarity “Sip In” will be held on Saturday November 19 at the 250 stores where union elections have been won, including at the Corbins Corner West Hartford store from 9 am to 3 pm.

Both the grad student workers at Yale and the unionized Starbucks baristas will be featured “In Solidarity” at the People's World Amistad Awards on Saturday, December 10 at 4:00 pm at the historic Dixwell Q House, 197 Dixwell Avenue in New Haven.

Salwa Mogaddedi, courageous leader of Starbucks Workers United at the Vernon store, who has led in organizing her co-workers throughout her cancer treatment, will receive one of three Amistad Awards.

Union leader and climate justice activist Mustafa Salahuddin, president of Amalgamated Transit Union 1336 in Bridgeport and board member of CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs and CT AFL CIO, will also receive an Amistad Award.

Leslie Blatteau, newly elected president of New Haven Federation of Teachers 933 (AFT CT) will receive an Amistad Award in recognition of her outreach to parents and community and focus on anti-racist curricula and social justice activism over many years.

Special recognition will be presented to Brian Steinberg for his lifetime of commitment and organizing for equality, real democracy and peace in Hartford, in Connecticut and nationally. .

Featured performer will be Jay Hoggard, world renowned jazz vibraphonist and composer blending jazz and gospel with African marimba rhythms.

The event is dedicated to the living legacy of Art Perlo and will celebrate the 2022 election victories and inspire ongoing unity for workers' rights and the rights of all to vote and live in dignity. For more information visit:
https://tinyurl.com/amistad-2022

Connecticut Voters Uphold Democratic Rights For All

Thousands of door knocks and conversations across the state delivered a strong affirmation that Connecticut voters firmly support voting rights, abortion rights and workers rights, rejecting the corporate agenda of election deniers.

Former teacher Rep Jahana Hayes was declared the winner on Wednesday in her close race against Republican utility executive George Logan. U.S. Sen Richard Blumenthal defeated Trump-backed Leora Levy, as all five Democratic Representatives, and the Governor won re-election.

Two new labor leaders were elected to the state senate. Jan Hochadel in Meriden, president of AFT Connecticut and Martha Marx, nurse and union member in New London.

And voters empowered the legislature to amend the state constitution to allow for early voting.

Hundreds of volunteers visited the homes of 82,000 union members in key election districts to discuss issues and get out the vote during two months of labor walks organized by the Connecticut AFL-CIO.

“Those conversations led working people to turn out and vote in waves, defying the odds and denying political extremists the power to further erode our freedoms and rig the economy to their benefit,” said president Ed Hawthorne.

“Workers are going to benefit from having an impressive number of union leaders serving in the state senate who are fighting for their interests rather than the interests of corporate CEOs.” he said.

SEIU unions also mobilized hundreds of volunteers to call and knock on the doors of their members supporting Rep. Jahana Hayes.

Hayes' fierce defense of working people's needs was lauded by AFT president Randy Weingarten during a stop in Meriden on the AFT Votes bus that toured 15 states.

Connecticut Unite Here members spent weeks campaigning in Philadelphia as part of a team of 1,000 who knocked almost three million doors in Nevada, Georgia, Arizona and Pennsylvania. In New Haven Sarah Grube posted: “So proud to work for a union that is fighting for democracy and for workers' rights across the country! I was able to see the power of workers here in Connecticut as we ran canvassing programs in multiple cities in order to ensure that *OUR WORKERS* have a *VOICE.*.

The People's World Amistad Awards on Saturday December 10 at 4 pm at the historic Q House in New Haven will bring together those who fought this election battle to celebrate victories and get ready for the next steps in the struggle for equality.

“We Will Not Go Back”

After decades of organizing, a huge victory was won in Connecticut this year with passage of the bill outlawing companies from requiring workers to attend “captive audience” meetings. This company tactic is aimed at scaring off union organizing drives and a collective voice for workers.

Now, just days before the crucial 2022 elections, the US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit in an attempt to overturn the captive audience law.

“This law simply helps level the playing field for working people in Connecticut and we will not go back,” said Ed Hawthorne president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.

“Without this law, workers seeking to form a union would again be frequently subjected to coercive captive audience meetings. These are mandatory, closed-door meetings during work hours where workers are often threatened and harassed about their union support,” he explained.

The Chamber of Commerce action underscores the importance of a large voter turnout to uphold democratic rights.

It was the leadership of worker champions elected to the State Legislative in recent years that enabled passage of the captive audience bill. More candidates representing the voice of workers are now seeking election. .

Across the country, the November 8 elections present a choice: Will democratic rights and voting rights be destroyed or will they be protected and expanded?

Voter turnout will determine the results of this election, especially in close races like the Fifth Congressional District where corporate interests whose profits have soared are challenging the outstanding record of Jahana Hayes who has delivered on behalf of all working class people.

The captive audience bill, abortion rights, affirmative action, Social Security, prescription drug costs, climate justice and the right to vote are all at stake.

As well, early voting is on the ballot in Connecticut. A dozen major civil rights and racial justice organizations urge a “yes” vote on the ballot question to allow the legislature to amend the state constitution and include early voting “to improve access to the democratic process for everyone.”

They say it will “reduce the unfair impact of transportation barriers, long lines, and inflexible work schedules, which can make voting on Election Day harder for voters of color,” and “help to level the playing field for voters employed in hourly-wage sectors, where workers often have less control over their schedules and may not have access to paid time off.”

Voter Turnout Crucial to Secure Democratic Rights

Far from being a solution, the newly issued Republican Contract with Connecticut and the national Republican Commitment to America would be a huge step backward for working class families and communities.

The Contract with Connecticut endangers the quality of life for the majority in our state. It does not tax wealth, does not tax giant corporations, does not take the big steps needed to change the fact that we are the most economically and racially unequal state in the country.

Instead it calls for local control. It fuels attempts to limit public school curriculum and exclude teaching about racism.

Instead of making voting easier, it opens the door to more restrictions, even though Connecticut ranks fourth in restrictive voting measures.

It would undo the long sought police accountability legislation negotiated by Judiciary Chair Sen Gary Winfield, adopted by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor, that holds police accountable and increases safety for communities. Despite claims to the contrary, crime rates have gone down.

The national agenda jeopardizes Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, requiring that these earned benefits be renewed every five years. It jeopardizes the right of workers to unionize by eliminating the National Labor Relations Board.

The Contract with America that Newt Gingrich and the Republicans put forward in 1994 turned out to be a nightmare for low and middle income families and a gift to billionaires and corporate America.. It slashed funding for people helping programs, gave big tax cuts to the super rich, and eliminated regulations on giant corporations.

It has taken many years of organizing, still underway, to reject the divisive “trickle down” agenda that only benefits the top few. Now, in an attempt to attract votes for the 2022 elections, the same false promises have reappeared.

The Contract with Connecticut would undo the progress toward equity being made in our state as a result of grass roots organizing for living wages, racial equity, climate justice, reproductive health for women, and to reverse Connecticut's upside down tax system.

This election is about preserving and expanding all democratic rights. The results will be determined by voter turnout on November 8.

As Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO president, said “We are up against MAGA Republicans who are poised to strip our rights. The time to rise up is now.”

Graduate Workers Demand Respect and a Union

Pouring rain did not stop over 1,000 graduate teachers and researchers and their allies as they marched from Yale president Peter Salovey's mansion to his office on Prospect St. chanting “What do We Want? - -Union When do We want it? -- Now.”

The graduate workers are demanding university neutrality at all levels as they sign up their co-workers for union recognition of Unite Here Local 33.

“I know to be a good teacher to my students, I need to be trained, supported and adequately paid for the work that I do on this campus,” said Abigail Fields of the French Department who led the speaking program.

Graduate workers from departments across the campus demanded respect for their work and neutrality, including from the sciences, humanities and languages, and the professional schools.

Several told how they are forced to live pay check to pay check without medical security, despite the importance of their work to the University's functioning.

“In 1994 the University told us we did not need a union, we did not need jobs, we were working for pin money,” said Barbara Vereen chief steward of Unite Here Local 34 which represents 4,000 clerical and technical workers, recalling their organizing drive.

“Look what we turned these jobs into today! The best jobs with the best benefits because Local 35 service and maintenance workers stood with us,” she said pledging solidarity with Local 33..

“You are a part of the entire U.S. Labor movement!” said Gwen Mills, secretary treasurer of Unite Here. “We are calling on Yale to publicly commit to remaining neutral on this union election.”

“I asked myself how New Haven could be a place for everyone to thrive while Yale only has a few people's interests at heart?” said Mills. “The answer I bring is solidarity.”

Among those who marched with Local 33 were many elected officials, representatives of other unions and community groups organized by New Haven Rising.

Graduate workers first sought union recognition in the 1990s. During the most recent attempt in 2016 the university claimed graduate teachers and researchers are students not workers, refusing to recognize a union.

U.S. Rep Rosa DeLauro kicked off the march calling on the university to “recognize the graduate workers and their union,” while U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This is what democracy looks like.”

Healthcare Workers at Windham Hospital Gain Support

Support for healthcare workers at Windham Hospital continues to grow as the nurses and support staff demand affordable health coverage and livable wages.

This week US Senator Richard Blumenthal joined the healthcare workers at a press conference saying “hospitals should be putting patients above profits.”

“Since Hartford Health Care took over WCMH, there has been a dramatic shift from quality patient care to positive operating margins,” say the presidents of Windham Federation of Professional Nurses, AFT Local 5041 and WCMH United Employees, AFT Local 5099. “HHC’s “partnership” and acquisition has led to the loss of vital services such as our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and our Labor and Delivery Unit.”

In September, they went on a 48 hour strike for their demands. At this week's press conference with Blumenthal, Andrea Riley, a nurse and president of Local 5041, said "We’re seeing a shift from patient to profit healthcare and that’s something we’d like to reverse back."

A community petition in support of the 400 members of the two unions sums up the situation:

“Since December of 2021, the caregivers at Windham Community Memorial Hospital (WCMH) have been laser-focused on working together with hospital management to resolve our region’s patient care crisis. Rather than recognizing its workforce by agreeing to common-sense solutions, the chain’s lawyers have refused fair wage increases and pushed higher employee insurance costs.

“We are calling on our community to join us in standing up to this heartless health chain. Help us hold HHC’s executives accountable to their patients and to their employees.”

The situation at WCMH is not unique. Healthcare workers across the country have been forced to strike while the CEOs of 178 major health care companies have enjoyed a 31% increase in compensation since 2019..

In May, Blumenthal was one of 14 US Senators to join Bernie Sanders in co-sponsoring the Medicare for All Act of 2022 which would save $650 billion a year, improve the economy and eliminate all out-of-pocket health care costs according to the Congressional Budget Office.

“Health care should be a right for all, not a luxury for some,” said Blumenthal. “Our status quo is unacceptable. Regardless of age, income, or zip-code, access to quality, timely medical care should be guaranteed for all who need it.”

Stefanowski and Logan Named Worst Environmental Candidates in Nation

The League of Conservation Voters named Republican Governor candidate Bob Stefanowski and Republican candidate in the 5^th Congressional District George Logan as among the worst environmental candidates in the nation, while upholding Rep. Jahana Hayes as an environmental champion.

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) announced that Bob Stefanowski has been named to the LCV Victory Fund’s list of the worst candidates in the nation for our environment at the state and local level, one of just 12 candidates in the nation to receive the dishonor.

“A Stefanowski administration would force us into four years of defensive advocacy against environmental rollbacks and fighting new gas expansion,” said Lori Brown, CTLCV's Executive Director.

In comparison, the LCV said, “Our current Administration has wisely focused on making major investments in clean transportation and reducing pollution to improve air quality, protect clean water, and preserve open space for the benefit of all. Stefanowski would prefer to spend our state’s surplus on tax breaks for businesses instead of investing in clean infrastructure.”

LCV warned that, “Under a Stefanowski regime, Connecticut’s regional approach to many climate issues could be jeopardized, including offshore wind, clean transportation, and renewable energy.”

“Stefanowski is a fundamental threat to the future of Connecticut’s environment,” said Brown. “Voters have the opportunity to reject Bob Stefanowski as a poor choice to lead our state towards a sustainable economy that values our environment,” said Brown.

Also this week, the national LCV launched TV ads calling attention to climate champion Rep. Jahana Hayes’ opponent George Logan, a utility company executive. While serving in the state senate Logan voted for millions in tax breaks for big corporations including energy companies, and opposed clean energy policies that would lower energy costs for Connecticut families and improve energy security.

“We must elect environmental champions this fall like Rep. Jahana Hayes who supported the strongest climate action in U.S. history, the Inflation Reduction Act, which will lower costs for families and create millions of jobs,” said LCV Victory Fund Regional Campaigns Director Eva Estrada. “There is no place in Congress for pro-polluter candidates like George Logan who are completely out of step with the vast majority of voters in this country who support the Inflation Reduction Act.”

Early Voting is On the Ballot in Connecticut

As voters in many states battle erosion of their voting rights, here in Connecticut expansion of voting rights is moving forward. A question about early voting will be on the ballot on November 8 which reads: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”

Connecticut is one of only four states without in-person early voting. In Connecticut, election laws are part of the state constitution..

The General Assembly voted to place this question on the ballot four years ago but due to confusing language the ballot measure failed. This year there is a concerted effort to alert voters that a “yes” vote supports the expansion of voting rights to allow for early voting.

Early voting will give voters more opportunities than the 14 hours on election day to cast their ballots. It takes into account that due to work, travel and family schedules there are those who cannot make it to the polls between 8 am and 8 pm on election day.

If the Early Voting question is passed, the legislature will be required to put it in place in time for the 2024 election.

Last year, several other voting rights advances were won in the state legislature including automatic voter registration, restoring voting freedom for people on parole, and no-excuse absentee ballots for 2022.

“At this exact moment in America, state legislatures across the country are actively curbing the right to vote, putting laws in place in the dead of night to undermine democratic rights and attempting to shred the very fabric of our democracy,” said Cheri Quickmire director of Common Cause Connecticut.

“Here in Connecticut,” she said, “we took not just a smart step, but a bold one to move voting rights forward. Automatic voter registration will modernize our voting systems. Restoring voting rights for residents on parole will help ensure that Connecticut turns the page on the policies of the past.”

Last year's session also banned the 230 year practice of “prison gerrymandering,”which gave more power to rural, largely white communities where most prisons are located by counting those in prison, disproportionately Black, as part of the community where the prison is located instead of counting those imprisoned as part of their home communities.

Nursing Home Caregivers Join “Unions For All” Nationwide Women's Day of Action

Nursing home caregivers, members of SEIU 1199NE, gathered at Hamden High School last weekend for a press conference to demand an end to critically short-staffed nursing home conditions. Then, they spent the day canvassing voters in Hamden. The health care jobs are publicly funded and the union members wanted to alert voters to the fact that long-term care funding and high-quality standards are established by the people who are elected to office.”

“Certified nursing assistants are exhausted. Nurses are exhausted. We are in the middle of the worst staffing crisis that I’ve ever seen in the nursing home industry in my organizing experience,” said Rob Baril, president of SEIU 1199NE.

“Workers and residents should be able to count on a full slate of staff members who can provide direct care” said Baril. “Cutting more services for residents is not an option because there’s nothing left to cut.”

“When we work short it’s hard for the staff, but it’s really hard for the residents. Because that’s their home and everything falls out of place,” said Stephanie Hill, a certified nursing assistant with 22 years of experience serving residents at Advanced Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in New Haven.

SEIU 1199 New England’s nursing home day of action was part of a national day of action. Thousands of workers took to the streets to raise their voices and demand unions for all.

“Working people are exercising power like never before: striking, bargaining strong contracts, winning unions and demanding a seat at the table with employers in states and cities across the nation,” said the union. “This latest wave of activity by service and care workers is part of a national movement of workers rising up across industries demanding to be respected, protected, and paid living wages.”

The SEIU 1199NE release connected their demands to the November elections saying, “As the midterms approach, working people are escalating demands on elected officials to take action to unrig our economy and build a government that works for all of us. And come November, we’ll vote out those who have failed to lift up working families.”

SEIU District 1199, the New England Health Care Employees Union, represents over 25,000 caregivers in Connecticut and some 4,000 in Rhode Island.

Cuban Ambassador to United Nations Tours Connecticut

 A big Connecticut welcome was extended to the Cuban ambassador to the United Nations Mr. Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta, along with three other members of the Cuban mission on Sept 9-10..

The visit was historic because the State Department designates Cuba as a terrorist state and their representatives are not permitted to leave Manhattan. However, after both the Hartford and New Haven city councils voted to call upon the federal government end the blockade against Cuba for the benefit of both nations, an invitation from State Rep. Edwin Vargas allowed the trip to take place.

Visits were held at Quinnipiac University, at the Hartford City Council, in Middletown and Willimantic, and finally in New Haven for a lecture at the New Haven Free Public Library.

The program room at the Library was packed as the audience eagerly listened and enjoyed a lecture by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta The event was co-sponsored with the New Haven Free Public Library by the City of New Haven Peace Commission, Unidad Latina en Accion, New Haven Peoples Center, Greater New Haven Peace Council

Pedroso Cuesta explained to the crowd the problems the Cuban people are facing due to the US blockade for over 60 years, and how deeply it affects the Cuban people. The need to remove Cuba from the terrorism list was also raised.

In response to questions from the floor, the Ambassador called for building strong relationships between our peoples and consideration of sister cities. When a student asked what young people could do, the Ambassador suggested that reaching out to Connecticut youth to visit Cuba for educational opportunities. He said that despite not having lived through the revolution, young people are supportive of the socialist government.

The lecture ended with a sincere gratitude for the Hartford and New Haven cities and their representatives for their support to stand in solidarity to end the blockade..

The visit ended with a lovely dinner held at the New Haven Peoples Center, where the Cuban Ambassadors were greeted with gifts and solidarity from the intimate group of people. Included were photos of Fidel Castro in 1959 at New Haven's Union Station on a stopover from New York to Boston.

Labor Day Message: “Unions are the Rising Tide that Lifts All Boats”

A diverse group of over 200 union members crowded into the Operating Engineers Local 478 hall in Hamden for the annual Connecticut AFL-CIO labor breakfast, enthusiastic for new organizing underway and ready to get out the vote for pro-worker champions in November.

Democratic candidates for state-wide, legislative and federal offices got standing ovations for supporting workers' right to organize, the right to vote, and abortion rights.

“Don't let people get away without being held accountable,” said Rep Jahana Hayes, a target for defeat by the national Republican party in the 5^th Congressional District. Referring to her voting record to not leave anyone behind, she urged, “Check out the receipts. I am proud of mine.”

Remarks by Ed Hawthorne, Connecticut AFL-CIO president, are excerpted below:

“This is an exciting time for the labor movement. We are in the midst of an historical upswing in organizing. Over 43,000 workers have organized themselves into unions in just the first half of this year alone.

“Working people are coming together to fight for better wages, safer workplaces, and dignity and respect on the job. Just take a look at the workers at the rest stops on I-95, baristas at Starbucks in Vernon and West Hartford, warehouse workers at Amazon, and thousands of others.

This surge in union organizing should inspire us all.

“Connecticut Voices for Children's report on the “State of Working Connecticut” has significant findings about unions.

“One was that public sector jobs are essential for reducing Connecticut’s high level of wage inequality. One of the reasons for that isn’t just because they’re public sector jobs, but because the public sector has high union density compared to the private sector. About 69% of public sector workers are unionized compared to 9% of private sector workers.

“This led to the second finding that union membership is essential for reducing Connecticut’s high level of wage inequality. So when they looked at the construction industry which has the highest union density in the private sector, they found the lowest level of wage inequality.

“Bottom line: When union density is high, wage inequality is low. It even benefits non-union workers. Union membership is really the rising tide that will lift all boats.”

ARA Retirees Gear up to Get Out the Vote and protect Worker Rights

 

Leading up to Labor Day, the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) gathered to endorse worker rights champion Rep. Jahana Hayes for re-election in the 5th Congressional District, a battleground targeted by the national Republican Party and corporate funding sources re-take control of the House of Representatives.

Representing more than 59,000 members from many unions, the CT ARA also endorsed US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Rep. John Larson and Rep. Joe Courtney for their 100% voting records on senior issues and commitment to oppose privatization of Social Security at the top of the Republican agenda..

“Rep. Hayes has earned a perfect lifetime score of 100% in the Alliance’s annual Congressional Voting Record,” said ARA president Bette Marafino. “She knows that thousands of seniors in her district rely on the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have earned, and she's working to protect all of our retirement security.”

Rep. Hayes, a former teacher and state worker expressed appreciation saying, "Our seniors have done the hard work of helping to build this country, that’s why I will work just as hard to protect and expand Social Security, fight for affordable healthcare and make sure our retirees are never left behind.”.

Hayes has been a leader in the fight to protect earned pension benefits and lower drug prices. She voted to require Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors, cap out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year and cap insulin co-pays at $35 a month. She also voted to provide hearing benefits under Medicare and $150 billion for Medicaid home care services.

Accepting the endorsement from ARA, Sen. Blumenthal emphasized the clear choice in this election.

 

While Blumenthal helped lead passage of gun control legislation and passage of the Inflation Reduction Act which includes lowering prescription drug costs and measures to stem climate change and create jobs, his opponent,Trump-endorsed Leora Levy, “considers the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol legitimate political discourse. Her program includes privatizing Social Security, banning abortions, and opposing gun control measures.”

The Connecticut AFL-CIO is kicking off its voter education and turnout program on Labor Day weekend, with plans to visit union members and their families at their homes across the state, listen to the issues they are concerned about, and win support for labor endorsed candidates.

Families with Children and Essential Workers Get Relief Funds

At a time of great need, Connecticut families with children and essential workers are in line to receive relief benefits from American Rescue Plan funds. “Thank you to Connecticut's federal delegation for voting for President Biden's American Rescue Plan!” was the message from Democratic legislators, even as state Republicans dismissed the relief as a “systemic failure” and “one-time gimmicks “.

Over 15,000 Connecticut families, including 27,000 children, will receive a one-time, back-to-school, COVID-19 relief benefit of $257 from the Department of Social Services (DSS) just in time for the new school year.

Known as the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF), this special benefit comes from a $7 million federal grant DSS received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“Premium Pay” relief for essential workers is also available through ARPA funds. When State Comptroller Natalie Braswell opened applications, thousands of workers responded immediately and the computer system temporarily crashed. The program will provide $1,000 per essential worker, including healthcare, grocery store, transit, manufacturing, teachers and child care workers. . Applications are due by October 1 at www.ctessentialworkerrelief.org.

The legislature and Governor allocated $30 million for “Premium Pay.” As is clearly the case, labor leaders warned much more would be needed. If applications exceed the $30 million, everyone's share will be reduced proportionately.

Reducing the benefit is unacceptable said Ed Hawthorne, president of the CT AFL-CIO. He called for increased funding now. “There was an invisible virus that was killing people, and these people went into work,” he said. “One thousand dollars is the least we can do for them.” During the legislative session the labor federation had proposed $2,000 per essential worker.

Democratic candidate for Comptroller Sean Scanlon also called for an increase in funding to assure that all eligible essential workers receive the full $1,000.

“The Premium Pay program will work in tandem with the existing COVID-19 Relief Fund,” said Comptroller Braswell. “Applicants can apply for both funds if they qualify.

 

The COVID-19 Relief Funds are available to any essential worker who lost wages due to COVID-19 infections while on the job between March 2020 and July 2021. Additional benefits include out-of-pocket medical expenses and burial costs for family members who died as a result of COVID-19. Apply at: www.ctessentialworkerrelief.org.

Proposed Health Insurance Rate Increases Met with Outrage

The move by health insurance companies to raise rates on individual plans by an average of 20% next year and on small group plans by 14% has outraged elected officials, health care advocates and members of the public who are calling on the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) to deny the requests from CIGNA Health & Life, CTCare Inc., CTCare Benefits Inc., and the ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc. and others.

Leading up to public hearings, Connecticut Citizens Action Group issued the latest in their series of “Five Families Reports” which found that five of the companies looking to increase premium rates saw billions of dollars in profits, stock buybacks, and executive compensation.

“It is important to look at what insurance companies are doing with the dollars they collect from Connecticut residents,” said Tom Swan, executive director of CCAG. “Their greed is appalling. The health and well-being of their subscribers and of Connecticut residents is the last thing from their mind.”

The report found that Anthem saw $6.1 billion, CIGNA saw $5.36 billion, CVS, which is the parent company of Aetna, saw $7.9 billion, and UnitedHealth saw $17.3 billion in profits in 2021.

Noting that CIGNA CEO David Cordani made $91 million in 2021, CCAG asked “Do Connecticut consumers need to make David Cordani even richer?! We think not.”

Also speaking in opposition to the rate hikes were U.S. Sen. Blumenthal, Sen. Matt Lesser, Connecticut Health Care Advocate Ted Doolittle, and Attorney General William Tong.

They rejected insurance companies' claim that rate hikes are needed because Affordable Care Act funds were due to expire, noting that the Inflation Reduction Act extends those funds.

In a letter opposing the rate increases, AFT Connecticut, whose members include nurses and health care workers, said “Consolidation of our health care system has led to excessive profits and executive compensations in our “not for profit” hospitals, pharmaceuticals and insurance corporations. These costs should not be borne by the residents of our state.”

A sign-on letter being circulated by Medicare for All Connecticut declares, “These proposals are outrageous. The state should reject them. Insurance companies bring in millions of dollars in profit. The idea of raising rates on working people, which would result in the loss of access to care, is unconscionable.”

Democracy is on the ballot in November

With primary elections over in Connecticut, the shift to to the general election on November 8 is underway. Labor and people's organizations are preparing for a full mobilization to get out the vote, as extremist Republicans target this state.

As became clear when the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, all hard won constitutional, rights including the right to vote itself are at stake. Democracy will be on the ballot along with reproductive rights, voting rights, workers' rights, civil rights and environmental justice.

Extremist Republican Leora Levy, supported by Donald Trump, will be challenging Richard Blumenthal for U.S. Senate. Right-wing Republican Bob Stefanowski will be challenging Governor Ned Lamont.

And in the Fifth Congressional District, the national Republican campaign committee is targeting former teacher and union member Rep. Jahana Hayes, the first African American woman in the Connecticut Congressional delegation.

The Connecticut AFL-CIO is launching an all-out voter mobilization of union members and their families at a Labor Day Breakfast on September 2. At it's biennial convention in June, delegates adopted a resolution calling the election one of “extremely high stakes for working people.”

This election's high stakes were underscored last week when all Republicans in the US Senate voted against the Inflation Reducation Act. The bill passed with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Kamala Harris.

While the $370 billion bill got watered down to achieve enough votes for passage, in a press conference at the state capitol Senators Blumenthal and Murphy said it is critical to improve peoples' lives.

“This measure is truly historic,” said Blumenthal who fought for its passage.. “It is the biggest single investment in fighting climate change in United States history. It is the most important step to cut medicine costs in American history. It is the biggest step forward in tax fairness in recent history.”

The bill allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, caps out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare recipients and imposes a 15% minimum tax on corporations earning at least $1 billion and a 1% tax on corporate stock buybacks .

While the bill takes important steps to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, climate change activists emphasize there is much more action required. This election will determine the ability to wage that fight.

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CT Peace and Solidarity Coalition Says “Stop the Wars!”

As the threat of nuclear war and world devastation heightens, the Connecticut Peace and Solidarity Coalition published a full page ad in the New Haven Register calling for a stop to wars.

Headlined “Stop Promoting War in Ukraine! Negotiate Peace Now! Fund Families, Not Weapons Makers!,” the message urges calls to Congress and the White House.

The text reads:

“The war in Ukraine is costing thousands of lives, generating millions of refugees and causing the destruction of billions in infrastructure. We demand it quickly end. The only way it can end is through honest negotiations, not actions that lead to the escalation of violence. There are no victors, there are only victims.

“We consider all actions that prolong the war to be deadly, costly, immoral and inexcusable.

“We call on Ukraine, Russia, the United States and its NATO allies to immediately agree on a prompt ceasefire, stop pouring weapons trainers and troops into Ukraine, and quickly negotiate steps toward peace and common security for all parties.

“Such a ceasefire includes lifting economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus. This hybrid warfare is creating terrible hardship throughout the world, including in the U.S. Where families are struggling with high inflation and inability to buy necessities like food and fuel.

“The global expansion of U.S – led military alliance NATO is an obstacle to long lasting security and peace. In an age of nuclear weapons, such alliances do not bring us security.

“We are frightened about the danger of nuclear war. The longer the war lasts the greater chance that nuclear weapons will be used creating global catastrophe.

“We reject mainstream media's ongoing cheer leading the war, similar to what we saw when the U.S. Prepared to invade Iraq.

“We call on President Biden and Congress to promote peace.”

Demands included are:

“Immediate cessation of all military actions throughout Ukraine. Peace negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Immediate humanitarian aid to all civilians within Ukraine. End the war now before it escalates to nuclear warfare. End US/EU financial and economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Stop NATO expansion.”

The message asks for calls to Congress 202-224-3121 and the White House 202-456-1111.

New Haven Calls for an End to 60 year Blockade against Cuba

New Haven has joined a growing number of cities across the country from Hartford to Chicago calling upon the Biden administration to “build a new cooperative relationship between the United States and Cuba and to immediately end all aspects of the United States economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba.”

The urgent need for international cooperation was underscored during the pandemic when Cuba was early to develop a vaccine but, due to the blockade, lacked the syringes necessary to administer the vaccine to its population.

Following a public hearing process, the New Haven Board of Alders adopted the resolution brought forward by the City of New Haven Peace Commission.. New Haven is a United Nations Peace Messenger City.

Joelle Fishman, acting chair of the City of New Haven Peace Commission emphasized the mutual benefit of opening up trade and exchange, citing possibilities for New Haven's economic development and job creation through sharing bio-medical research and breakthroughs as well as best practices in sustainable food production for which Cuba is known.

On Saturday, September 10 at 2 pm Pedroso Cuesta, Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations,will speak at the New Haven Free Public Library in a special community conversation, “New Horizons for US - Cuba Relations.” The event will be held in the community room of the Ives main branch, 133 Elm St.

“Despite the blockade, no Cuban families, unlike in New Haven, are homeless. Despite the blockade, all Cubans, unlike New Haveners, enjoy fully covered first-class healthcare,” said Henry Lowendorf, chair of the Greater New Haven Peace Council.

“We have much to learn from how Cuba manages to guarantee its citizens these rights despite the U.S. noose around its neck. That noose is intended not only to reverse these rights in Cuba but to prevent us from visiting Cuba, seeing for ourselves, and demanding the same rights for ourselves from our own government,” he added.

Resolutions were also passed in Pittsburgh, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, Cambridge, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond and Helena, Montana, State legislative bodies passed resolutions in Alabama, Michigan, California, and Minnesota.

In June 2021 the United Nations, for the 20^th year in a row, in near unanimous vote, called for an end to the 60-year U.S. embargo against Cuba