AFT Connecticut

"AFT in Action:" Getting the Facts on Vaccines

The topic of the latest episode in AFT Connecticut's podcast series is the impact of vaccination against the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) to reduce the virus’ chokehold on our communities. State federation president Jan Hochadel and vice-president John Brady, RN, co-host a discussion on progress since Connecticut's health professionals, school staff and older residents began to be inoculated.

Joining them is Saud Anwar, MD, who serves as a state senator in the General Assembly and works at Manchester Memorial Hospital as a pulmonologist. He answers union members’ questions about vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as the state’s distribution efforts to date. Senator Anwar additionally looks ahead to post-pandemic life in Connecticut and what is needed to make it brighter for all working families.

AFT Connecticut's podcasts serve to provide a deeper dive into issues impacting members and the wider labor movement as part of the state federation's engagement and communications programs.

Members are encouraged to send e-mail with their questions or concerns to be addressed in a future. *

Additionally, members can leave a message with their comments to be played on either episode by dialing (860) 257-9782 and and entering extension 116. *

We're proud to be part of the Labor Radio/Podcast Network, which collectively gets our movement's message out to working people via the Internet.

Breaking news, event announcements, and urgent actions are also posted at the union's Twitter feed, Facebook page and website.

* Be sure to include your full name, local union and employer.

"AFT in Action:" Advancing a Working Peoples' Agenda

The changed political landscape in Washington, DC in 2021 and beyond was the focus of this latest episode in AFT Connecticut's podcast series. Joining state federation president Jan Hochadel as co-host was Connecticut AFL-CIO President Sal Luciano, and together they led an insightful discussion about federal policies impacting working families.

Thier guest was U.S. Representative Jim Himes, who shared an update on advocacy and developments since the violent January 6 insurrection at the nation's capitol. The topics included COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) economic relief legislation, changes to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act's prospects for passage.

AFT Connecticut's podcasts serve to provide a deeper dive into issues impacting members and the wider labor movement as part of the state federation's engagement and communications programs.

Members are encouraged to send e-mail with their questions or concerns to be addressed in a future. *

Additionally, members can leave a message with their comments to be played on either episode by dialing (860) 257-9782 and and entering extension 116. *

We're proud to be part of the Labor Radio/Podcast Network, which collectively gets our movement's message out to working people via the Internet.

Breaking news, event announcements, and urgent actions are also posted at the union's Twitter feed, Facebook page and website.

* Be sure to include your full name, local union and employer.

"AFT in Action:" Honoring State Workers' Contributions

The impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) on public employees is the topic of discussion for this latest episode in AFT Connecticut's podcast series. State federation president Jan Hochadel was joined by executive committee vice president and local union leader Ivonne Hamm for another conversation about our collective response to the ongoing pandemic. 

Thier guest was state Representative Mike D’Agostino, who answered members' questions about repeated attempts to exploit the crisis to scapegoat state employees. He not only praised union members for their heroic efforts to keep Connecticut running, but also credited their previous labor savings agreements for shoring up public services during the pandemic.

AFT Connecticut's podcasts serve to provide a deeper dive into issues impacting members and the wider labor movement as part of the state federation’s engagement and communications programs.

Members are encouraged to send e-mail with their COVID-19-related questions or concerns to be addressed. *

Additionally, members can leave a message with their comments to be played on either episode by dialing (860) 257-9782 and and entering extension 116. *

We're proud to be part of the Labor Radio/Podcast Network, which collectively gets our movement's message out to working people via the Internet.

Breaking news, event announcements, and urgent actions are also posted at the union's Twitter feed, Facebook page and website — where COVD-19-specific information and resources are also available.
* Be sure to include your full name, local union and employer.

"AFT in Action:" Teaching in the Time of Pandemic

The latest in AFT Connecticut's podcast series is the first to be recorded since the implementation of "Stay Safe, Stay at Home" policies to curb the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). Executive committee vice president and local union leader Mary Yordon joins state federation president Jan Hochadel to provide context for the episode, which focuses on the pandemic's impact on teachers.

Together they set the stage for sharing highlights of a tele-town hall recently organized in coordination with the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) that answered members' questions on the crisis. The event featured Dr., Miguel Cardona, state education department commissioner, along with two of his top deputies at the agency; Desi Nesmith and Charlene Russell-Tucker.

The full audio of the tele-town hall, along with a slideshow presentation of members’ questions, is also available.

AFT Connecticut's podcasts serve to provide a deeper dive into issues impacting members and the wider labor movement as part of the state federation’s engagement and communications programs.

Members are encouraged to send e-mail with their COVID-19-related questions or concerns to be addressed. *

Additionally, members can leave a message with their comments to be played on either episode by dialing (860) 257-9782 and and entering extension 116. *

We're proud to be part of "The Labor Radio/Podcast Network," which collectively gets our movement's message out to working people via the Internet.

Breaking news, event announcements, and urgent actions are also posted at the union's Twitter feed, Facebook page and website — where COVD-19-specific information and resources are also available.

* Be sure to include your full name, local union and employer.