2025 Council 4 Biennial Conference

Join us for our 2025 Biennial Conference from April 25-27 at the Mystic Marriott in Groton. This year's theme is "Rise Up Connecticut & Organize." Our rights and voices as public service workers are under attack while billionaires and corporations are gaining more power and influence than ever. Our collective strength as union members means we are in a strong position to stand up, fight back, and ORGANIZE! That’s how we win better lives for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Over the three-day event, members, leaders, and allies across our diverse union will come together to connect, sharpen skills, and shape the future of our union. This year’s convention will feature a blend of dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, and engaging discussions - all aimed at strengthening our workplaces, our union, and the communities we serve.

Info: Learn why it is so critical to talk to a new employee on their first day on the job! This session will explore best practices for effective new employee outreach and provide a comprehensive introduction for new employees (union membership, benefits, and resources).

Info: Join this session to learn how your contributions to the PEOPLE program support pro-worker legislation and advocacy efforts. Discover how you can make a difference in shaping policies that protect and empower union members.

Info: Member communications is essential for building strong unions. Learn the components of a strong communications program and the tools to support internal member communication. Council 4 member leaders will also share best practices.

Info: Celebrate the power of solidarity! This session highlights recent victories achieved through collective bargaining and union advocacy, showcasing how working together drives meaningful change for all members.

Info: Explore the importance of building a more inclusive union. This session focuses on strategies to embrace diversity, promote equity, and ensure all voices are heard and valued within our union community.

Info: This session will provide an overview of state and federal laws that govern these three important acts.

Info: Discover how union members can run for public office from school board to municipal to state government and build power that will positively influence our communities. This session explores the path to running for office, building influence, and driving policies that benefit workers and communities.

Info: This session covers essential cybersecurity practices, threats to union operations, and strategies to safeguard member information and organizational integrity.

Info: From slashing budgets that can impact our contract negotiations, to ending job protections and union rights, to cutting critical programs. This training will examine the implications of policies and agenda from the current administration on unions and workers’ rights. This session explores challenges, opportunities, and strategies for protecting our rights and benefits and how we can fight back.

Info: As union leaders we aren’t here to be “in power’” but “empower." VMOs make a difference by empowering workers to win respect and a voice on the job. Hear how you can inspire, lead and encourage other workers to be Union Yes and AFSCME Strong by volunteering on campaigns in Connecticut or wherever workers are organizing.

Info: Learn best practices for cases involving outside agencies conducting investigations with members potentially leading to criminal charges. This session will also cover an overview of Garrity and Weingarten rights.

Info: Join this session to learn how your contributions to the PEOPLE program support pro-worker legislation and advocacy efforts. Discover how you can make a difference in shaping policies that protect and empower union members.

Info: Gain insights into the art and strategy of collective bargaining. This session explores how contracts are negotiated, key tactics for achieving fair agreements, and the role of members in securing workplace rights and benefits.

Info: What's in our way to build a CT where all working people can thrive? Join us to learn about the unjust ways state money is held hostage, how these rules impact our campaigns, and what we can do to win during the 2025 Legislative Session.

Info: Discover how union members can run for public office from school board to municipal to state government and build power that will positively influence our communities. This session explores the path to running for office, building influence, and driving policies that benefit workers and communities.

Info: Explore the importance of building a more inclusive union. This session focuses on strategies to embrace diversity, promote equity, and ensure all voices are heard and valued within our union community.

Host or Publisher Council 4