Council 4 Unplugged

Latest Episodes:

What union members need to know about the 2022 election in Connecticut Oct 15, 2022

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Council 4 Unplugged co-hosts Renee Hamel and Lauren Takores speak with former Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill on the early voting ballot measure, and with Council 4 Legislative & Political Director Zak Leavy and Council 4 PEOPLE Committee Chair Stephen Wierbicki on member political engagement.

Fighting for a Fair Contract and Blood Donor Safety. May 14, 2022

Show notes

Front-line blood collection workers employed by the American Red Cross are rallying for a fair contract and safe staffing levels. AFSCME Local 3145 President Joe Tine and Council 4 Staff Rep Scott Soares join us to discuss how and Red Cross workers are mobilizing in Connecticut and nationwide.

Click here to tell Red Cross that front line workers deserve a fair contract

Reflections on Black History Month Feb 12, 2022

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Council 4 member-leaders Harold Brooks (Local 3144), Patricia Davis (Local 318) and Claudine Wilkins-Chambers (Local 3429) reflect on Black History Month and the role unions must play in strengthening labor and civil rights.

A Conversation with CT AFL-CIO Leadership Nov 12, 2021

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Council 4 Unplugged co-hosts Renee Hamel and Larry Dorman visit with the newly elected Connecticut AFL-CIO leaders, President Ed Hawthorne and Executive Vice President Shellye Davis.

The privatization of everything Oct 21, 2021

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Donald Cohen, executive director of In the Public Interest, joins us to discuss his new book, “The Privatization of Everything.”

Hurt on the Job? Know Your Rights! Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

On this episode we discuss what to do when you're hurt on the job, trends in workers compensation policy and the important role unions play in advocating for injured workers. Our guests are Eric Rentz of the CT Workers Compensation Commission and Council 4 Rep Brett Owen, who chairs our union's Workers Compensation Committee.

Tackling Mental Health Issues on the Job Jul 22, 2021

Show notes

A team of occupational safety experts and front-line correctional employees is developing the tools to help workers cope with job-related mental health stressors. The study holds great promise not just for prison employees, but all workers. Our guests are Asst. Professor Sara Namazi of Springfield College; AFSCME Local 391 President Collin Provost; and Local 391 Executive Board member Stan Sudduth.

Update on the 2021 Legislative Session. Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

With less than 2 weeks away from the end of the legislative session, Council 4 Legislative and Political Coordinator, Brian Anderson, takes us through where we are at with passing a fair budget and important bills that will protect and uplift workers. We also discuss the importance of the PEOPLE Committee and being engaged in this year’s municipal election.

Click here to urge Governor Lamont and your legislators to provide pandemic hazard pay to essential workers

The Dilemma of Defunding & Solutions for A Recovery For All. Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

Connecticut is well situated to make genuine progress in addressing its core economic problems by investing in public services, however that has not been the case since the Great Recession. Jennifer Klein, Yale History Professor, and Shahrzad Habibi, In The Public Interest Research and Policy Director, join us to discuss their report “Austerity Versus Reinvestment.” Ed Hawthorne, Vice President of AFSCME Local 269, also shares how disinvestment has hurt the CT Department of Labor in helping unemployed residents impacted by the pandemic.

Click here to read the “Austerity Versus Reinvestment” report

Click here to learn more about the Rally For A Fully Funded DOL on Saturday, April 17.

Talking Inequality Feb 01, 2021

Show notes

Connecticut is plagued by the inter-related problems of wealth inequality and a regressive tax structure. COVID-19 has made it all worse. Emily Byrne, the Executive Director of CT Voices, addresses these issues and provides useful policy prescriptions.

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