I would like to introduce you to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), your bargaining agent. Connecticut State clerical employees work under a contract negotiated in collective bargaining by AFSCME, which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. AFSCME represents approximately 35,000 employees statewide in state and local government, boards of education and the private sector.

            You are permitted to choose whether or not you want to join our union, but are required as a condition of employment to pay to AFSCME an agency fee equivalent to the AFSCME dues if you elect not to join. Since your working conditions and salary increases are governed by the State's negotiations with AFSCME, we ask that you join so that you can have the right to vote on contracts and other union issues. In addition, you will receive newsletters and informational mailings from the local, state and international organizations, and be eligible for benefits under the AFSCME Advantage Program. Dues are currently at the rate of $17.10 bi-weekly. Both dues and agency fees are paid by payroll deduction.

            Our local is Local 355, which includes clericals working in the Administrative Clerical Bargaining Unit in the towns of East Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, Rockville, Stafford, Storrs, Tolland and Willimantic. Local membership meetings are held at least four times per year and are announced in the Council 4 Newsletter. The Local also sponsors various other workshops and events, and publishes an e-mail newsletter. In addition, we offer a scholarship award for books each October. Our website is www.afscmelocal355.org

            Only after completing and returning a membership card will you be a member of Local 355. I urge you to contact your steward or myself to request a membership card. Please return your signed membership card to:

Carol Millette
U-1118 or 369 Mansfield Avenue
Willimantic, CT 06226

Linda L. Armstrong, President
University of Connecticut, U-4156
3107 Horsebarn Hill Road
Storrs, CT 06269