Workers Demand Union Rights and Respect Across Connecticut

Across Connecticut workers in health care, hospitality, education and manufacturing are demanding living wages, benefits and respect. This roundup of actions on or around May Day shows that when working people stand up and fight together they can win together even in the face of extremist corporate opposition.

Caregivers On Strike

Caregivers at Windsor Health and Rehab Center are in their third week of strike. They are among the lowest paid in the industry with no affordable health insurance. SEIU District 1199 NE filed unfair labor practice charges for hiring unlicensed staff and making them work for two to three weeks without wages. Union nursing home workers have settled over 60 contracts in Connecticut. Now it's time for Windsor Health and Rehab Center to present contract language that truly values the Black, Latina, white, and API men and women who work on the front lines of long-term care.

Greaduate Teachers Organize

A majority of graduate student teachers across all departments at Yale University signed petitions seeking union recognition with Local 33 Unite Here. The petitions were submitted during a spirited march and rally that filled the streets including labor and community allies. Yale administration's claim that graduate teachers are not workers is exposed by the fact that graduate workers across the country are standing up and unionizing for better wages, improved healthcare and benefits, stronger grievance procedures and respect and resources.

Graduate Hotel New Haven Workers Organize

Workers at the Graduate Hotel New Haven held a rally to announce their campaign to win a union for fair schedules, fair wages, and RESPECT. New Haven Mayor Elicker, Board of Alders president Tyisha Walker Myers with 12 Alders and labor and community supporters demanded Graduate Hotels follow the law and allow workers to go through the unionization process without intimidation or interference.

Starbucks Workers Organize

Corbin’s Corner Starbucks staff in West Hartford are the first Starbucks workers in Connecticut to file for a union election. The 22 workers are all part time. Union co-leader Travis Glenney said, "Covid put a lot of things into perspective for us. We felt like we weren't getting enough support from the company. The benefits and pay rate have not kept up with the rest of the retail sector." No election date has been set, but thre is a lot of community support. AFSCME Council 4 and Connecticut AFL-CIO officers visited the staff to show solidarity.

Machinists Organize

ICYMI, workers at FuelCell Energy in Danbury voted #UnionYES! Justin Mates, a system operator at the company, said the vote to join the Machinists Union means “the voice of the dedicated workers, who showed up every day during COVID, was heard today.”

Machinists Ratify Union Contract

3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 26, Local 700 in Middletown and Local 1746 in East Hartford, voted to ratify a new three year contract, that includes many gains, with Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies Company “Our membership was adamant that job security was their top priority,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “The negotiation team from both locals worked together to secure job security language and other improvements for their members – this is the power of a well-informed committee and membership.”