Food Service Workers Win a New Contract

 

Foodservice workers at Southern Connecticut State University and Central Connecticut are celebrating a major win after successfully ratifying a new union contract with Sodexo. The agreement, reached after intense negotiations, delivers substantial improvements in wages, benefits, and job protections.

Over the four-year life of the contract, workers will receive a total of $8.18 in wage increases. In addition to the pay bump, the deal includes access to union-sponsored health insurance, an upgraded dental plan, a pension, and strengthened job security provisions, marking a significant step forward for the campus’s foodservice team.

The path to this agreement wasn’t easy. Bargaining began early in the day and stretched late into the night, finally concluding around 2 a.m. when Southern and Central union stewards and representatives from Local 217 UNITE HERE reached a formal agreement with Sodexo’s leadership. The new contract sets the tone for labor relations at Southern for the next four years.

This is a historic victory for the Southern workers," said Steward Nicholas McDonald. "We faced down Sodexo and proved we won't back down, we fought for our dignity and respect and we won better wages and benefits for our future.”

This hard-fought victory is resonating beyond Southern’s campus. Foodservice workers at Western Connecticut State University, who are currently in their own contract talks with Sodexo, are drawing inspiration and momentum from Southern’s success. The newly ratified agreement signals that meaningful gains are within reach for other unionized Sodexo employees across the state.

Local 217 UNITE HERE praised the determination and solidarity of Southern’s workers, emphasizing that their persistence helped secure a contract that reflects their value and contributions to campus life. As negotiations continue at other Connecticut state universities, Southern’s breakthrough stands as a powerful example of what collective action can achieve.

Tenants Uphold Right to Organize at Sunset Ridge

 

New Haven, CT — Tenants from the Sunset Ridge Apartments spoke out at a press conference urging their corporate landlord, Capital Realty Group (CRG), to cease union-busting and intimidation tactics at the sprawling, 312-unit complex.

The Sunset Ridge Apartments are home to hundreds of New Haven residents, mostly workers not earning enough in wages to afford market-rate rentals. The complex is designated as low-income housing tax-credit property (LIHTC), so most tenants pay a slightly below-market rent but do not benefit from income-based rent subsidies.

April, who has lived in the complex for 21 years, took the mic to recall how beautiful it was when she first moved in, kid friendly and well maintained. Never was there a mouse or roach problem, she said, until five years ago when Capital took over. Now, pests are out of control. When her 93 year-old mother's apartment flooded repeatedly. Capital told her to move.

"Their answer to fix something is just move. At 93 years." exclaimed CT Tenants Union organizer Luke Melonakos.

Juan said his rent has kept going up, but repairs like replacing a carpet in bad condition, are not taken care of. “If they raise the rent they've got to fix it.” he declared.

Along with community allies, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker stood in solidarity with the tenants seeking to organize a union, sending a message to Capital Realty Group that the right to organize is fundamental and in New Haven, it is still respected! In 2022 New Haven was the first city in Connecticut to adopt an ordinance establishing a process to recognize tenant unions.

Issues uniting the tenants include mice and roach infestations; widespread mold; water leaks and sewage problems; heat/hot water outages; repeated false claims of owed rent; and predatory towing without notice.

Like the recently organized union at Park Ridge Apartments, also owned by Capital Realty Group, some tenants receive rapid repairs while others are left for weeks or months with unsafe conditions. 

In escalating attempts to stop tenants from unionizing. Capitol Realty Group staff have: called the police on tenants speaking with their neighbors about forming a union. They have accused union organizers of “being with ICE” and blamed the widespread pest infestations on “tenants being dirty”. Two CT Tenants Union representatives visiting residents were served “no trespass notices” among many other acts of intimidation.

While banning CTTU organizers and journalists from speaking with the residents and creating an environment of surveillance and intimidation to discourage tenants from speaking with each other, Capital Realty Group has openly supported, encouraged, and funded (including a bouncy house and large meal) a so-called “Sunset Ridge Tenant Union.” This “tenant union” is run by an un-elected board that includes at least one confirmed CRG employee.

This attempt by a corporate landlord to establish a “company tenant union,” is from the playbook of corporate tactics used to bust labor unions and prevent workers from forming their own organization.

Despite the environment of intense repression, Sunset Ridge tenants are fighting back. They seek to join the nationwide movement of tenant unionization at CRG-owned properties in their fight for dignified housing. Renters in Detroit, Kansas City, Billings, and Louisville, and across town in New Haven, have already formed majority unions and are pushing for a bargaining process with the principles of CRG—Moshe Eichler and Sam Horowitz—over the deteriorating conditions of their homes.

Hannah Srajer, president of the tenants union, repeated that Capital Realty sends one message to tenants: Dont get together to solve your problems. She said very soon the union would enter its next organizing stage: Tenants getting their neighbors to sign union cards. "We support the drive until we go all the way. This will be the 8th union across country."

Peter Fousek, secretary treasurer of the union explained why we were out here.

“We are here,” said Peter Fousek, Secretary treasure of the union, “because tenants have to have one, two or three jobs, and work 70 hours per week to pay their rent, yet suffer health threats in their apartments.”

Despite the mice and roach problems the rent keeps going up. “We are here, he said, “to celebrate tenants fighting.”

When tenant union leaders met with the owner Moshe Eichler., he welcomed tenants negotiations and agreed to no retaliation to union tenant union organizers.

“He forgot what he promisedm” said Fousek. “We are here to remind him what he said. That means not following tenants. Not telling tenants who they can bring into their apartments, their friends, neighbors, or the press. Freedom of speech means we can talk. We are ready to take Eichler up on his offer for good faith negotiations.”

Faith, Labor and Community March Demands Immigrant Protections

 

[Hundreds of faith leaders and people of conscience marched from the Federal Building to the north side of the State Capitol on October 5 to demand Governor Lamont and state legislators call a special session and protect immigrant community members from the violence of ICE.

Organized by the Greater Hartford Immigration Action Alliance (GHIAA), they called for “safeguarding personal data, ensuring courthouse access, preventing indirect ICE support, and maintaining HUSKY coverage for all by ensuring that surplus revenue be invested in communities and not sent away as debt payments to Wall Street”

“ This is not the moment for our leaders to be silent. This is not the moment for our leaders to keep their heads down.” said Rev. Josh Pawelek, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society East, CT for All, and the GHIAA Strategy Team..

“This is the moment for speaking truth to power. There are common sense policies ready to go that would make a meaningful difference in the safety of Connecticut’s immigrant communities, and we call on our leaders to pass them in a special session this fall,”

Kevin, a member of Make the Road CT emphasized that “Without medical coverage, my health could get worse — for me, this truly is the difference between life and death. Like many immigrants, I came here looking for a better future, and now I’m just fighting to stay alive and healthy.”

“Many essential workers are immigrants who came here seeking the same thing all of us want—a chance to work hard and live with dignity,” said Rochelle Palache, Vice President of 32BJ Connecticut, “These workers clean our schools, guard our buildings, and keep our communities running. It’s unconscionable that those who give so much to our state are treated as disposable. Protecting them isn’t just an act of compassion—it’s an act of justice.”

Demand for Special Session: Use $2 Billion Surplus for Human Needs

 

The demand for a special session of the state legislature in October grew on October 1 as union, faith and community leaders, joined by elected officials, spoke out at a press conference at the state capitol urging action be taken to invest the state's $2 billion surplus in human needs and to advance immigration protections.

Organized by Connecticut for All, the advocates stated. “As even more chaos and uncertainty unravels at the federal level, Connecticut’s elected officials have a choice.” calling on legislators to “ face this chaos boldly and timely, with a cohesive strategy that protects Connecticut's most vulnerable residents through protective policies and broad investment that leverages the billions found since June to safeguard communities.”

 

“Without urgent action, the advocates said, Connecticut families will face devastating consequences now: hundreds of thousands could lose health coverage or food assistance, school districts could see millions in federal education cuts, and higher education would become even less accessible as loan and grant restrictions take hold. “

“At the same time, healthcare costs for middle income families will continue to skyrocket, while wealthy donors benefit from private school voucher schemes that siphon public dollars away from our schools. By investing state resources directly into healthcare, child care, housing, and education legislators can shield our communities from these harmful federal rollbacks and ensure Connecticut families are not left behind.”

Tenants Union takes on Alpha Capital in Niantic

Tenants in Niantic at the Bay Point Apartments, formerly known as Windward Village, made history when they announced the formation of the Bay Point Tenant Union, representing 70% of the occupied units at the 60-unit apartment complex. Backed by the Connecticut Tenants Union, they are demanding collective bargaining with their landlord, Tyler Smith of Alpha Capital Funds. They were joined at the announcement by Sen Martha Marx, co-chair of the legislature’s Housing Committee, Rep Nick Menapace, and local supporters.

Tenants formed the union, the first of its kind in southeastern Connecticut. after more than a year of drastic rent hikes and deterioriating conditions since Smith’s takeover in 2024. Many of the residents, elderly longtime renters. were confronted with rent increases of $800 to $1000 a month.

They organized quickly, speaking out at town meetings, writing to legislators, and demanding action. Their pressure led to the establishment of the East Lyme Fair Rent Commission  in late 2024, a town of less then 20,000. With support from Connecticut Legal Aid, Connecticut Fair Housing Center, Step Up New London, New London Homeless Hospitality Center, and the Center for Housing Opportunity in Eastern Connecticut (CHO-EC), tenants brought forward many cases against Alpha.

In response the property was renamed “Bay Point” in 2025, but mold, broken appliances and unusable laundry facilities got worse. “Changing the name doesn’t change the reality,” said one tenant leader. “We are still living with poor conditions, unfair treatment, and rent hikes. That’s why we need a union.”

By forming a union, Bay Point residents are taking collective action to demand a seat at the table with Alpha Capital Funds, stable rents, safe living and accountability in property management.

In 2024, Alpha Capital’s owner, Tyler Smith, faced allegations of orchestrating false testimony at the State Capitol by directing employees to impersonate tenants during a hearing on the proposed Just Cause Eviction tenant protection bill.

Tenant leaders and advocates say this moment is bigger than one building. The Bay Point Tenant Union reflects a growing tenant movement across the state.

“WE CAN’T KEEP UP” 2000 Rally for Good Union Jobs and a Fully Funded City

 

NEW HAVEN—Chanting and holding black and white signs reading “We Can't Keep Up,” and

“One Job Should be Enough,” 2,000 members of UNITE HERE Locals 35, 34, and 33, New Haven Rising, and union and community allies marched to the Yale School of Medicine on Cedar Street.

The extraordinary solidarity set a tone of fight back in the midst of a vicious attack on labor underway from the White House and MAGA.

After meeting up on the New Haven Green in a spirited gathering filled with music, t-shirts and solidarity, the diverse marchers called on Yale University to pay good wages and contribute to New Haven, highlighting how Yale workers and New Haven residents are struggling in the post-pandemic cost of living crisis.

Contract negotiations are currently underway between UNITE HERE Locals 34 and 35 and Yale. Rally attendees called on the university to settle good contracts and contribute more to New Haven looking ahead to next year when its current voluntary contribution agreement in lieu of taxes expires. 

“We fought for a long time to make our jobs good jobs,” said Lisa Stevens, President of Local 34-UNITE HERE. “But what was enough before is not enough anymore. Since the pandemic, the skyrocketing cost of living has caused our members to lose their housing, fall into debt, and even cut back on heat and food,” she said noting “Yale has a $40 billion endowment, and its workers are going to food pantries.”

The rally which packed Cedar Street put up a great cheer when the graduate teachers in Local 33 who won their first contract last year made the dramatic announcement that a majority of post-docs, have now signed union cards, which would add 1400 more union members on campus..

Bob Proto, President of Local 35-UNITE HERE said “Our members are committed to settling a fair contract, supporting post-docs as they form their union, and standing with New Haven urging Yale to pay their fair share.” 

Getting a union job at Yale changed my life said Elidia Lezama, a member of Local 35-UNITE HERE service and maintenance workers. “Before I got a job at Yale, I worked multiple jobs and couldn’t count on regular hours. I had to figure out how to survive through pay periods where I made as little as $25 per week and in other weeks, I had to work so much that I was hardly able to see my kids.”

“Now,” she said, “since the pandemic, many of my co-workers are back to working multiple jobs and struggling to get by.” 

Raven Turquoise-Moon, a longtime member of clerical and technical workers Local 34-UNITE HERE said “I have an education, a job at the city’s largest employer, and yet buying a home in my neighborhood is out of reach.”

“I’m not alone.” she said. “Our members are getting priced out of New Haven because their rents have gone up by $300, $500, $800 dollars – and our wages haven’t caught up. I should be able to continue to do the work that I have done for 19 years to uphold Yale’s mission, a mission that I believe in, and buy a home here.”

Days before, a large picket of food service workers at Southern Connecticut State University, members of UNITE HERE Local 217 called on the subcontractor Sodexo to settle the contract they are neogiating. The night before marching from the Green to Cedar Street, the workers voted 98% in favor of going on strike if they have to.

Nick McDonald, Vice President of Local 217 and a food service worker at SCSU exclaimed “We, the Local 217 members who work at SCSU, CCSU and WCSU, are in the struggle just like our brothers and sisters at Yale. We aren’t going to give up until we get what we need.”

“We don’t want to escalate but we are sending a clear message to Sodexo and the Connecticut state universities: if we don’t get it, shut it down.” he concluded as the rally chanted with him.

The large crowd was inspired by Brandon Daley, a junior at Metropolitan Business Academy, who declared that youth are organizing in New Haven: “We’re fighting for all of us. For classrooms with the resources we deserve. For jobs that let our families thrive, not just survive. For a city where no student has to live in fear. For a future where young people have the opportunities to lead and succeed.” 

The students are supporting their teachers who were in the crowd as the New Haven Federation of Teachers organizes to win it's new contract with the Board of Education. Last year students walked out in support of fully funded schools.

Tonya Ricks, a member of Local 34- UNITE HERE, summed it all up when she said, “I stand before you to let you know: my salary is not keeping up! The price of everything is going up but my check is not making ends meet. We need better pay and we need more union members!” 

Dozens Pedal for Palestine

 

 Dozens of New Haveners cycled and spoke to draw public attention to the catastrophic destruction of life and civilian infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank regions of Palestine. The cyclists navigated a 7 mile route through the streets of New Haven. Speakers at 6 stops along the way highlighted the effects on Palestinian civil society in the areas of education, water sovereignty, press freedom and safety, health care, food sovereignty, and access to the sea. At each of the stops, professionals spoke on the effects of apartheid and genocide in their areas of expertise.

The cycling event was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace New Haven.

 

In her remarks, Jewish Voice for Peace member Ellen Rubin said: “Gaza is now the global epicenter of child/family suffering: It has the highest number of orphans, amputees and trauma victims on Earth Over 700 attacks on Health facilities have left more than 96% of Gaza’s hospitals destroyed or damaged

*Healthcare and aid workers have been targeted, killed, detained w/o charge, tortured & even murdered while in prisons”

Tagan Engel and Jamilah Rasheed are two longtime New Haven food and land justice activists who work everyday to protect the fundamental rights of every single human being to have food, clean water, and self determination. They together asked “Can you imagine if 4 times the population of New Haven were literally dying from starvation right now, and all the people in bordering towns had nothing to eat or drink for days on end - all while food and water could easily be brought in from Milford, Cheshire and Branford if the occupying government would allow it?”

The Narrative Project founder and CEO Mercy Quaye spoke to the need for activists to continue speaking truth to counter the silence and misinformation that is so prevalent in American mainstream media in reporting about Palestine.

We call on our members of Congress to sign on to H.R.3565, known as the Stop Arming Israel bill. To date, the legislation has 49 co-sponsors, but none in Connecticut. All of our members must support this critical legislation.

CCAG Demands Health Access be Protected for All

 

If Congress does not act by November 1 to extend enhanced premium tax credits, one third of the people buying insurance on Connecticut's Access Health CT exchange will be forced off, unable to afford health insurance.

At a Hartford press conference with Connecticut Citizens Action Group about HR1, Sen. Richard said the bill, is "Trumpian - cruel and stupid. Cruel in denying people care, and stupid, in making everyone and the system less effective."

"Our entire healthcare system is collapsing under its own weight," said Health Care Advocate Kathleen Holt. When the number of uninsured skyrockets, we will all pay more - and they will resort to emergency rooms for care.

Most of the people whose rates will skyrocket have no idea this is coming, or what is causing it.

"Who can afford these increases?" CCAG's Tom Swan asked. "The very rich people who also got Trump's tax cuts.”

"The cruelty in this bill doesn't just happen in December," he added. "Many of the changes to Medicaid don't go into effect until after the 2026 midterms.

"The Republicans and Donald Trump don't care if people go without care and die....Senator Blumenthal called this policy stupid; I think it's evil. The cruelty is the point. We will do everything in our power to protect access to care for all people."

Medical costs are responsible for most bankruptcies and for people losing their homes, Blumenthal said. "Healthcare costs are rising astronomically, aggravated by the cruel and stupid policies coming out of Washington DC."

CCAG and allies are calling on Governor Lamont and lawmakers to convene a special session of the Legislatione and reject the cruel Trump budget cuts.

Food Service Workers Picket for a Fair Contract and No Strikebreakers on CT State University Campuses

NEW HAVEN, CT—September 17, 2025—Union members and allies rallied on Southern Connecticut State University’s campus to demand a fair contract for Sodexo workers at CT State University campuses. In addition, workers called on university leadership to advocate for a peaceful resolution and forbid all strike-breaking tactics from CT State University campuses.  

At the rally Nicholas McDonald, a food service worker at SCSU, emphasized the hardship he and his co-workers are facing. ““I’ve been talking to my coworkers. We’re all talking about how times are hard and we need a fair contract,” he said. “We’re in this fight and we’re not going to back down, because this is about survival.”

Joshua Stanley, Secretary Treasurer of Local 217, framed the struggle within a broader national conversation about economic inequality. “It is food service workers like those at CCSU and SCSU who are saying enough is enough, we need a fair contract now.” He urged Sodexo to consider the quality of life for its workers.

A huge inflated Scabby the Rat caught students' attention and some took photos after learning about the contract fight of the food service workers who make their meals. Three huge billboards with photos of all the workers were headlined, “We Don't Want to Strike But We Will.”

After rallying in front of Connecticut Hall with union allies, New Haven Rising and elected officials the picket moved across campus for a second rally.

Two hundred and eighty UNITE HERE Local 217 food service workers at SCSU, CCSU, and WCSU have been negotiating a new contract with their employer, Sodexo, since March. The $9 billion multinational company is refusing to meet the workers’ demands of a real living wage and negotiations for a fair contract have stalled.

As a result of these stalled negotiations, hundreds of Local 217 food service workers picketed Sodexo on CCSU’s campus in August to demand a fair contract. Workers and allies sent nearly 1,700 letters to university leadership calling on them to support the workers’ demands for a fair contract. And democratic leaders from around the state reached out to university leadership urging resolution of the labor dispute.

Instead of encouraging a peaceful resolution to the labor dispute on campus, after the August picket university leadership publicly endorsed the company’s “contingency plans” in the event that the company forces the workers out on strike. Endorsing strikebreaking tactics such as the use of replacement workers and meal tickets for outside venues and food trucks encourage a disruptive and wasteful labor conflict instead of resolving it.  

 
Democratic elected officials from around the state have already urged the company to work towards a fair contract and encouraged the university leadership to support the workers.

Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz attended the picket at SCSU saying “UNITE HERE has always stood up for workers’ rights, dignity, better wages and benefits at the University of New Haven, the Omni Hotel, the Hyatt and more—and from picket lines to rallies, we’ve fought alongside them.”

The went on to say, “ We support the members of UNITE HERE Local 217, who provide quality food service to our university campuses and ask Sodexo to step up and negotiate in good faith. These workers have kept our campuses running during challenging times, ensured students and faculty had access to food and now are simply asking for living wages that catch up with inflation. Let’s get this deal done.” 

Senate President Pro Temp;ore Martin Looney also joined the picket at SCSU. Standing firm for the rights of the workers he said, “Public universities must never endorse strike-breaking tactics that will protract a dispute that would damage the academic community and divide our campuses. Especially when the dispute is between a multibillion-dollar company and workers who pay taxes that fund the universities and live in the university communities,”  

“The universities need to be clear with Sodexo that the only solution to end this labor crisis is to bargain a fair contract with Local 217.” Looney saaid.

Nick McDonald, a food service worker at Southern said, “I’ve been talking to my coworkers. We're all talking about how times are hard and we need a fair contract. We’re in this fight and we’re not going to back down, because this is about survival.”  

“We are sending two messages today,” said Stanley. “First, we want to get this done, but if the company is not ready to do that, we are setting strike votes. Second, public university leadership in Connecticut must take positions in line with the Democratic Party and basic respect for workers by saying no scabs on campus. Saying yes to plans for strikebreakers is not only going against moral principles, it makes a prolonged labor conflict more likely.”  

As negotiations remain at a deadlock, the food service workers are not backing down. They continue to rally for a contract that provides a living wage and better working conditions, asserting their fight is about survival and economic justice.

SCSU food service employees are scheduled to vote on whether to authorize a strike on September 24, 2025.

AFT President Visits New Haven Schools Amid Trump Funding Threats

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers came to New Haven to visit The Sound School and Truman School, showcasing nation-leading career and technical education initiatives under threat of being defunded by President Trump and House Republicans. Their fiscal 2026 budget bill plans to cut $12 billion out of federal education funding as the administration plans to abolish the education department.

The leader of the 1.8-million-member union visited the Pre K-8 Truman School that receives significant support from federal Title I grants which assist students from low income families. In Loles Gomez's fifth grade class Weingarten joined in a bilingual game of musical chairs.

The school features teacher-led lessons with online platforms and iPads, Chromebooks, and interactive projectors, bilingual programs and wraparound services, including a school-based medical clinic and donation closet with clothing for families in need.

Weingarten’s second stop highlighted the work of The Sound School, an interdistrict aquaculture and agriculture science and technology education center (ASTE) designed specifically for aquaculture and marine trades. The Sound School is the first full-time ASTE center in the state focused on these fields, and is a hands-on, career-oriented high school, blending college-prep with strong vocational training.

Leslie Blatteau, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, and State Senator and AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel highlighted the threatened programs, which help students thrive and secure jobs and further study in teaching, medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, sports and alternative medicine, nutrition, culinary arts, hospitality and more.

“There’s a lot of struggle going on right now and we still are so very much committed to the work of our public school educators and union members and to the promise of public education in this city and this state,” Blatteau said.

“NHFT is proud to recognize all of our members who consistently go above and beyond for New Haven students, families, and community as we fight for the world class public schools that our students deserve.,” she added.

90 Organizations call for Stronger Trust Act

 

In response to the ramped up seizing and detention of immigrants without due process, 90 labor, community and faith organizations have called upon the Governor and Legislative leaders to hold a special session and strenthen protections to the Trust Act. Excerpts follow:

“We write on behalf of 90 Connecticut organizations committed to immigrant rights, civil rights, human rights, gender rights, workers rights, and racial justice to express urgency and demand that Governor Lamont and Legislative Leadership take action to protect our immigrant communities during the upcoming special session.”

“Armed and masked ICE agents are terrorizing our communities — abducting parents in front of their children, targeting workers, and tearing students from their futures. These actions violate the dignity, safety, and basic rights of our neighbors. This is a campaign of fear, and it has no place in our state.

“Our Call to Action

Immediate and urgent action is needed to prevent our state and local resources from being used to advance the federal government's cruel mass deportation agenda.

● Protect the Personal Information of our immigrant community and all CT residents.

● Prohibit ICE arrests at courthouses, including travel to and from the courthouse, and empower judges to enforce this rule. Provide the option for remote appearances.

● Preserve HUSKY Medicaid for undocumented children and pregnant individuals:

● Make our Communities Safer:

○ Prohibit Connecticut’s National Guard from participating in federal immigration enforcement and prevent out-of-state militias from conducting immigration-related operations within the state.

○ Prevent Local Law Enforcement from Assisting ICE:

“Safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP are being cut to subsidize the tripling of the budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and tax breaks to the ultra wealthy. As a result, all working families will struggle more than ever to make ends meet, including undocumented immigrant families. We cannot let Connecticut be complicit. Connecticut must be a safe and welcoming place for all of us, regardless of immigration status.
“We will remember who was silent and complicit in fascism and who stood on the right side of history to confront it.”

Labor Day actions take the streets coast to coast

DETROIT—Roughly 1,000 “Workers over Billionaires” marches and protests were held across the country on Labor Day to oppose the billionaire-backed Trump administration’s attacks on workers, their unions, and their families. The actions across the country included large demonstrations in Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and workers actually walking off the job and striking in Houston and Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Labor leaders around the country spoke out against the capitalist class and their bought-and-paid-for political cronies in Washington, D.C. for “rigging the government and economy” against workers—immigrant and non-immigrant, organized and unorganized—the dismantling of trade union rights, collective bargaining agreements, job safety programs, as well as cuts to renewable energy jobs, Medicaid and critical institutions for workers such as the National Labor Relations Board.

“This is a government that is by, and for, the CEOs and billionaires,” declared AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler at a massive Labor Day march in Los Angeles. 

At Detroit’s Labor Day march and rally, several thousand trade unionists and their allies marched down Michigan Avenue to the historic Michigan Central Station in Corktown. The Michigan Building Trades Council, along with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Service Employees (SEIU) were flanked by the Teamsters, Nurses, Letter Carriers, Teachers, Firefighters, Government Employees, Postal Workers, and a hundreds-strong “Labor for Palestine” contingent.

Shawn Fain, president of the UAW, spoke out fiercely against rampant corporate greed, so-called “free-trade deals,” and the billionaire corruption of our political system.

Connecticut

Labor Day in Connecticut kicked off on Friday as the annual Labor Day Breakfast hosted by the Connecticut AFL-CIO, filled the Operating Engineers hall in Hamden with scores of union members and leaders, allies and elected officials. The IAM, CWA, Marine Draftsmen and 1199 spoke of their recent strike struggles and victories and called for solidarity in the face of escalating attacks against the right to a union.

Following the breakfast, a press conference with Sen Richard Blumenthal magnified the message. Pledging to fight for workers' rights and calling for mass protests, Blumenthal said, “It is unprecedented in the history of the United States of America that so many rights and protections have been rolled back, lawlessly and recklessly, to the detriment not only of the working people directly affected, but also their families and other workers. Eliminating collective bargaining rights is not only illegal, it’s immoral.”

“President Trump is attempting to silence workers because he knows when workers have a voice, they’ll push back against his authoritarian agenda,” said CT AFL CIO president Ed Hawthorne. “But he’s not going to win this fight, because the American people know that union workers in the labor movement don’t just stick up for ourselves, but fight for everyone.”

New Haven Federation of Teachers president Leslie Blatteau emphasized, “Schools are the pathways to opportunity and the building blocks of a just society. That’s why we are collectively demanding that all elected officials stand with workers and students, not billionaires.”

On Monday, the teachers joined other unions and community leaders with CT for All to knock on the doors of working families in the town of Meriden.

Across the state dozens of Workers over Billionaires protests were held from New London to Stamford with the largest at the State Capitol organized by Indivisible and 50501.

Chicago

In Chicago, over 5,000 workers rallied at the Haymarket Monument, then marched for three miles including at Valor Equity Partners, headed by Antonio Gracias, who heads the DOGE Immigration Task Force, and Target in support of the Target boycott.

On Labor Day, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) joined the national boycott call of Target after the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU-AFT Local 1) passed a resolution last week, joining the boycott. 

“This movement comes at a crucial moment—when American workers find themselves at the whim of billionaires and board rooms that are more invested in money over people,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, at the Chicago demonstration. 

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union member and shop steward, spoke out with a call for “No Troops in Chicago” which the crowd shouted back to him. Then “Invest in Chicago” which the crowd of workers and their allies also chanted back.

Rev. Jamal Bryant flew in from Atlanta to be with the workers in Chicago, he said, indicating that the struggle is a national fight. He said he wanted to support the “most fearless leader in America,” the mayor of Chicago.

“If you want to fight for safety, don’t send in the National Guard—send in the teachers,” said Bryant. He highlighted the inequity when ICE agents make more than teachers. He then excoriated Target, which is on the receiving end of a national boycott for reneging on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies after Trump got reelected. 

“When you mess with our workers,” he said, “you mess with America.” He pointed out that the price of Target shares had dropped and the CEO was compelled to resign. He then went on to call the giant corporations Target and Tesla “enemies of the people.”

“We reject a billionaire’s attack on our city, taking from Medicaid and education,” said Stacey Davis Gates, President of the CTU. “Solidarity is the antidote to white supremacy…Lincoln didn’t free us, we freed ourselves, workers! We built the United States as we’ve known it and now workers will protect it.”

Many religious and community organizations also joined the rally and march, including the Chicago Club of the CPUSA. Elected officials, city council members, Congress members, Cook County Commissioners, State Senators, and State Representatives were also present. 

Houston

In Houston, hotel workers organized with Unite HERE Local 23 launched a first-ever hotel strike at Hilton America’s in Texas, demanding a basic $23 an hour minimum wage, safety improvements, more staffing, and better quality food, among other demands. 

“Last year, Hilton America’s revenue increased by more than 15% to $3 billion,” the union said. “But workers are still struggling to make ends meet…We will be on the picket lines for 9 days to demand better wages because one job should be enough!”

“The workers are feeling this need urgently, so that’s why the decision was made,” said Franchesca Caraballo, President of Unite Here Local 23. “We have to take it up several notches here to turn up the pressure on this company.”

Tenant Unions Join Forces against Mega Landlords

New Connecticut Tenant Union chapters in Avon at Avon Place and in New Haven at Park Ridge have been fighting hard to bring their landlords to the bargaining table—and now, they've succeeded. And they aren't fighting alone. Tenants all across the country are joining in the struggle against landlord greed.

Big news is being made as several new tenants unions in properties for seniors owned by New York based Capital Realty Group are jointly negotiating with their landlord. New Haven's West Hills and Park Ridge Tenant Unions along with Detroit. Michigan's River Pointe Tower Tenants Union came together and held a zoom meeting with Capital Realty Group management demanding pest control. mold removal, repair of HVAC systems and more.

In the meeting Capital Realty made a verbal commitment to recognize and meet in good faith with any tenant unions within the Capital portfolio, to honor tenants right to organize, to sign a non-retaliation notice and hold a follow up meeting to negotiate a formal agreement., set for September 8.

Now Capital Realty Group tenants in Louisville, Kentucky are organizing at the American Village for seniors.

Meanwhile the Avon Place Tenant Union, a chapter of the Connecticut Tenants Union, began collective bargaining with their NYC-based landlord company, Empire Realty. The union’s bargaining committee met with a representative, established terms for the bargaining process, and scheduled a second session with the principal owner, Ahron Rudich.

This was just weeks after tenants first announced their super-majority tenant union.  “My neighbors and I are proud of the work we’ve done to get to this point—to form our union, stick together through intimidation and retaliation, and bring our landlord to the bargaining table with us,” said Amy Arlin, chapter vice president.

Empire Realty (under its property-specific shell company, Avon Place LLC) currently owes the Town of Avon over $1.6 million in unpaid taxes, sewage assessment fees, and tenant relocation costs. The Avon Place Apartments have fallen into significant disrepair and neglect under Empire’s three years of ownership

Esdras comes home and Avelo Boycott expands

This Labor Day weekend highlighted the release of rising Wilbur Cross junior Esdras Zabaleta-Ramirez after his illegal abduction by ICE, and an expanded campaign to boycott Avelo Airlines for their deportation flights.

In an extraordinary victory, Esdras Zabaleta-Ramirez has won his freedom from the Department of Homeland Security, averting deportation. He is now home with his family and able to continue his education after going through a traumatic nightmare.

Esdras, an active participant with CT Students for a Dream, was illegally abducted while working at a carwash. His classmates, teachers and elected officials immediately rallied to his defense. Funds were collected, and a lawyer obtained.

Just as Isdras was about to be deported from a detention facility in Louisiana, legal intervention brought him back to a detention facility in New England and now back to his home and family. DHS is not appealing the decision ordering his release. Esdras received a huge welcome back and will be able to attend his classes and activities at Wilbur Cross High School.

Attentions are turned to the dozens of migrants being abducted throughout Connecticut and detained for deportation, overwhelming the capacities of immigrant rights organizations to obtain legal assistance and help the families affected. A call has been issued for volunteers as the assault by ICE and the Trump administration escalates.

Boycott Avelo Airlines

At a Boycott Avelo information table with New Haven Immigrants Coalition during the annual Labor Day roadrace, Leslie Blatteau, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers said, “We as a teachers’ union believe that we should not put profits over people and that we should not engage in cooperation with a business that is separating families. We want our students and families to feel safe to come to school every day.”

The Boycott Avelo campaign has been expanding. Foxon Law, patrons of New Haven's annual Labor Day road race, declined sponsorship of Avelo Airlines this year refusing to become complicit in the deportation flights harming the immigrant community in the interest of corporate profits.

The City of New Haven has cut all business with Avelo as has the Yale Department of Athletics. Pressure is now being placed on Yale to end all travel with Avelo.

The economic pressure has caused Avelo to close some operations on the west coast. In cities across the country the Boycott Avelo campaign has been picked up by immigrant rights groups until the airline stops all deportation flights and their complicity in separating families.

Food Service Workers Demand Livable Wages

 

On Labor Day week, food service workers at Connecticut's public colleges picketed on Central Connecticut State University’s campus in New Britain demanding a new union contract that provides a living wage and a 40 hour work week.

UNITE HERE Local 217 cafeteria workers at Central, Southern, and Western CT State Universities, employed by the $9 billion multinational food services company, Sodexo are struggling to make ends meet the rising costs of housing and other necessities. Accounting for inflation, they are far poorer now than in 2020.

Carly Ortiz, a food service worker at SCSU, said “I’m a mom of three and my youngest has special needs. My wages haven’t gone up fast enough to cover all the expenses..” She explained that “Every month I’m forced to choose: How much can I pay of my gas bill? How much can I afford to spend on groceries? I’m being forced to choose between necessities. When do I get to breathe?”

  

Many workers at CCSU, SCSU, and WCSU are forced to get second and third jobs, despite working full-time. In one of the nation’s wealthiest states, food service workers at public universities should be able to support their families with one full-time job.

With widespread public support, they stand together to demand a livable wage in their ongoing negotiations for a mew contract. The contracts between the union and Sodexo have expired at CCSU and SCSU. The contract between the union and Sodexo at WCSU expires on September1. 

  

“We have been negotiating for five months now. Our members just want to continue doing what they do with pride every day – feeding the students of Connecticut’s state universities – and get back on their feet with a 40-hour week that lets them pay all their bills and provide for their families,” said Josh Stanley, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 217. “But if it’s going to take a fight to get back to the 40-hour work week so people can live with dignity, we’re up for it. We’re used to fighting.”  

Trump “Stop Work” on CT Offshore Energy Project Condemned by Labor and Climate Groups

 

Immediately following a stop work order by the Trump administration halting construction of the Revolution Wind offshore energy project designed to power 350.000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island, demands to continue work came forward from the labor movement, Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs and elected officials. 

“We call on the Trump Administration to reverse this order immediately and let union workers finish the job of building America’s energy infrastructure,” said CT AFL CIO president Ed Hawthorne and Rhode Island AFL CIO president Patrick Crowley adding that “this project is 80% complete, has already created over 1,000 union jobs and 2 million hours of union work, and was fully permitted under federal and state law. Halting it now leaves hundrfeds of workers unemployed and thousands more at risk.”

They concluded that “This stoppage undermines energy security for New England families, raises energy prices, and denies economic opportunities for years to come.”

The Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs (CRCJ) also strongly condemned the order saying, “ The loss of the Revolution Wind project would be catastrophic for Connecticut, particularly for the workers who have been training for this industry and counting on the paychecks and job security Revolution Wind was supposed to provide.

“Revolution Wind created hundreds of union jobs for infrastructure improvements, and over 100 long-term jobs marshaling and assembling turbines at our very own New London State Pier. The project was on track to power 350,000 homes across Connecticut and Rhode Island, providing stable electricity prices locked in for 20 years, and securing New England’s energy future.

“Instead, this abrupt stop-work order threatens to derail years of progress, jeopardize billions in investment, and devastate working families across the region.”

They concluded, “We must not shy away from energy technologies of the future, but double down in our commitment to building them with a strong union workforce. Connecticut workers remain committed to building a resilient, pro-worker clean energy future, and in coastal states like ours, this must include offshore wind. Federal leaders should honor their commitments and allow this nearly finished project to deliver the clean energy and union jobs our region was promised.”

Opposition to ICE Raids Grows in Connecticut

 

Outrage at increasing ICE abductions at courthouses and work sites by masked, unidentified agents is bringing immigrant rights organizations together along with elected officials and other allies across the state, and a federal investigation launched by US Sen Richard Blumenthal.

In recent days groups of armed, masked agents have taken people outside the courthouses in Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford, and also at a carwash in Newington. Observers demanded to see a court ordered warrant, and asked for the identity of the agents, and to know where those kidnapped were being taken. No replies were given.

Immigrant rights groups in Danbury, Norwalk-Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Middletown and Hartford have been organizing support for affected families and have formed Rapid Response teams to let the community know if ICE is spotted in the area.

When Stamford Rep. Corey Paris posted a message for the community to “remain vigilant, stay aware of your surroundings and, above all, prioritize your safety.” and check on concerned neighbors, it was distorted by extremist right-wing groups who falsely claimed he was interfering with ICE and called for his arrest. Paris and his family have been harassed including death threats.

Lt Gov Bysiewicz, the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus of the State Legislature and other lawmakers convened a press conference to denounce the harassment, uphold the legitimacy of Paris' actions and to call on ICE to stop aiding and abetting extremist groups and threatening elected officials.”

A formal investigation into the enforcement tactics being employed by ICE has been launched by US Sen Richard Blumenthal, ranking member of the Congressional Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Committee. He is seeking documentation on methods that may result in “over-arrests, unjustified detention, excessive use of force and other potentially abusive tactics,” citing “flash bang grenades, physical violence, tasers, or simply the detention without formal arrest.”

He said the investigation comes following reports of ICE “exceeding its power, using unwarranted and excessive force, unidentified and unmarked agents wearing masks, seizing people who may be in this country, completely lawfully, doing nothing wrong, detaining them.”

“We need every politician, from local to national levels, to stand with immigrants,” Tabitha Sookdeo with CT Students for a Dream said. “This is a moment that demands moral courage, because every day that passes, more families are torn apart, and in Connecticut, we are feeling this deeply.”

“I do not regret choosing compassion, vigilance, and safety for all who call our community home,” said Rep Paris. “While I may carry the weight of criticism at this moment, our friends and neighbors who are immigrants carry the weight of being targeted, silenced, and made voiceless. They live with the constant fear that their families could be targeted, disrupted, or torn apart.”

SOLITUDE

 

by Jahmal Henderson

ln rooms of words, a silent pact I make, Turning pages for a future’s sake. The world outside, a muffled, distant sound, As wisdom’s seeds in solitude are found.

The sun dips low, and starlight takes its place, I walk alone, in time and open space. The old resistance, stubborn, strong, and slow, Fights every step, but cannot stop the grow.

With every line, I shed a past belief, Each starlit stride, a moment of relief. To learn, to know, to mend what was undone, A new self forged, beneath the moon and sun.

Park Ridge Tenants of Capital Realty Group Unionize

New Haven, CT — On August 6th, elderly tenants at the Park Ridge Apartments announced the formation of their tenant union, representing nearly 60% of residents in the 72-unit building, and affiliated with the Connecticut Tenants Union.

Their building is owned by the national corporate landlord, Capital Realty Group (CRG). Tenants described problems with plumbing, electrical work, boiler noises, heating, air conditioning and carpeting. They are the ninth tenants union to officially register with the City of New Haven Fair Rent Commission.

After their press conference, a delegation drove to CRG’s headquarters in Spring Valley, NY to deliver a letter requesting a meeting to collectively bargain and a response within one week. They were met with a sign saying the firm had moved, but the address was an empty office. Finally the tenants taped the letter on the door after being threatened by a tow truck.

At an August 14 press conference to update the public on the union’s efforts to bring their landlord to the negotiating table, Senator Richard Blumenthal called on Capital Realty Group to negotiate in good faith with the union, citing their misuse of federal funds

Capital Realty Group, described as a “leading private equity real estate group,” is a major player in the for-profit affordable housing industry. They benefit from hundreds of millions of dollars in federal mortgages and rent subsidies. They frequently employ a cash-out refinance strategy that depends on cutting expenses and increasing rents at their buildings—worsening living conditions while generating huge profits for themselves and their investors.

.Capital Realty Group has received $7.1 million in federally-backed financing for Park Ridge and also receives HUD-subsidized rent payments monthly for each occupied unit. 

Meanwhile, other tenants of Capital Realty Group are unionizing across state lines. The River Pointe Towers Tenant Union in Detroit, Michigan publicly announced their unionization on August 19th. CRG tenants in New Haven at Park Ridge are hosting a watch party of the media coverage from Detroit and will celebrate CRG tenant solidarity across state lines with a luncheon at their building.

Social Security celebrated on its 90th Birthday

 

The Dixwell-Newhall Senior Center at the Q House in New Haven was decked out with a big sheet cake for the 90^th birthday of Social Security and 60^th birthday of Medicare. The room filled with retirees concerned that Social Security be preserved and expanded, not privatized or shut down and Medicare / Medicaid be fully funded not robbed to pay for tax cuts for the super rich, mass deportations and war in the Billionaire Budget Betrayal.

Alliance for Retired Americans Regional board member Roger Boudreau and national staff member Tommy McLoughlin traveled to New Haven from Rhode Island to discus the attacks on these programs and encourage the retirees to make their voices heard.

The celebration at the Dixwell-Newhall Senior Center was one of many across the country. Another celebration at the Senior Center in East Hartford was hosted by Rep. John Larsen.

The ARA, with 59,000 members in Connecticut, has been in the forefront of the fight to preserve and expand Social Security for the 737,000 retirees, survivors, children and people with disabilities in Connecticut who depend on Social Security to make ends meet. These benefits contribute more than 1.5 billion dollars to the Connecticut economy every month.

The manufactured crisis created by the Trump administration and DOGE puts all this at risk. “This is nothing less than a calculated cruel plan to weaken Social Security and pave the way for benefit cuts or privatization,” emphasized the ARA emphasizing it is not about waste, fraud and abuse.

“The Alliance for Retired Americans is calling on every member of Congress to act,” they said. “and pass legislation that preserves field offices, safeguards our personal data and ensures transparency and accountability.”

Social Security Strong demands included: “Fully staff the Social Security Administration to reduce wait times and ensure high quality service delivered by professionals, not machines. Protect the private information that millions of Americans have entrusted to the Social Security Administration. Make the rich pay their fair share so that we can expand Social Security and keep it strong for the next 90 years.

Unity Rally for a Fully Funded City: When We Fight We Win

Over 1,000 rallied on the hottest day of the year at Scantlebury Park in New Haven, organized by New Haven Rising and Unite Here unions to call for racial and economic justice at a time when billionaires and billionaire institutions have increased their wealth while working people struggle to stay in their homes. Excerpts from a few of the powerful remarks are below.

“I've been a member of 217 for 20 years, I’m a college food service worker, Vice President of our union and I also believe one job should be enough,” said Stephan Alderman, Vice President of Local 217–UNITE HERE, “But as a single father of four with seven grandchildren, I'm finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet. For the first time in my life, I had to apply for energy assistance because of this failing economy.”

New Haven Rising Organizer, Abigail Feldman called for a city that provides opportunities for all, “Just a few years ago we came together in our city and we pushed Yale to contribute $52 million more to the city. That wasn’t a gift. That was our power of coming together and refusing to be quiet. That’s the money we are owed. That’s the taxpayer money that has subsidized Yale for years! Now is the time to fight for the people’s endowment! If Yale made different decisions, our city could be fully funded. We could have world class schools here alongside other cities of Connecticut.”

Wilbur Cross High School student, Jonaily Colón, argued, “Our zip code should not determine the quality of education we receive. The color of our skin should never determine our destiny. Students of New Haven schools deserve top education like every single student in this country.” She and Tabitha Sookdeo, leader of Connecticut Students for a Dream, called out ICE for detaining a Wilbur Cross student and noted that the resources dedicated to deporting our residents could be allocated to education and generating opportunity. New Haven Rising Director, Rev. Scott Marks, joined the students in the call to stop deportations and focus on providing economic opportunity for all residents.

Citing similarities of working-class struggle in her Kentucky hometown, Norah Laughter, who is running for Alder of Ward 1, took inspiration from the ways that working people in New Haven have long fought back. She said, “Our wins come from organizing to leverage our strength in numbers as the working class. My message tonight is simple: students must be part of the fight for race and class justice because when we fight together, we win.”