Connecticut Employees Union Independent Local 511

UNION NEWS

UNITING CT SINCE 1967

Winter 2023

Carl R. Chisem

President, DOT

Introduction of the 2023-2027

CEUI Local 511

Executive Board

Michael Ercoli

Vice President, WCSU

Leslie Maddocks

Secretary/Treasurer,

UConn Retired

Tina Griffith

Trustee, UConn

Karen Martin

Trustee, CCSU

Greg Graham

Trustee, DMHAS

Les Archer

Trustee, DOT

Mark Negralle

Trustee, CT Lottery

Transferred to DMHAS

On Friday, October 13, 2023, we held the annual CEUI Convention at the Aqua Turf. With the assistance of retired Federal Moderator Joe Dubin, our Election Committee and volunteer members opened the mail ballots received for the 2023 CEUI Executive Board Elections. Number of Ballots Mailed: 3,320. Number of Ballots Returned: 415. Number of Ballots Disqualified: 15 (due to crossed-out numbers, no inner envelopes, defaced ballots).

The convention was a great success; we thank Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Senators Matt Lesser and Julie Kushner, and DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, who all understand and value the importance of working with labor unions to ensure our state agencies are safe, staffed and operating at their highest potential. The convention was a wonderful opportunity to connect with members from across the state to discuss important issues facing our union and elect new leadership to guide us forward.

That said, we are pleased to announce the newly elected CEUI Executive Board members for 2023-2027. Leading the board as President is Carl Chisem, the Vice President is Michael Ercoli, the Secretary/Treasurer is Leslie Maddocks. The Trustees are Tina Griffith, Karen Martin, Greg Graham, Les Archer, and Mark Negralle. We congratulate them on their election and are excited to see the positive impact they will have on our union.

We look forward to continuing to work together to improve our members' working conditions and benefits, advocate for better labor laws, and promote the value of public service. Thank you to everyone who participated in the convention and the election process. We are proud to have such a dedicated and engaged membership and leadership.

EDUCATION & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Registration for the Spring 2024 CTEC Evening Extension Courses starts January 2nd.

CEUI education vouchers are now available for the Spring 2024 CTEC evening extension courses! The voucher covers the cost of the course(s), and you only pay the $50 per-course registration fee that the school charges. Vouchers can only be used for courses specifically listed in the course catalog at the following schools:

CEUI Scholarships for Children of Members

CEUI Local 511 will be continuing the tradition of awarding scholarship money to deserving children of active members. We will be offering four (4) $2500 scholarships to high school seniors whose parents are members of CEUI Local 511.

Scholarship Requirements

The applicant must:

Be the child of a dues-paying member of CEUI Local 511 who is currently working

Be a senior in high school about to enter a four-year accredited college in the Fall of 2024

Complete the application by May 24, 2024

All applicants will interview with the Scholarship Committee in June/July (specific date to be determined).

To obtain an application, call Tracy Deegan at 860-343-8712 or email tdeegan@ceui.org. Please indicate the name of both the parent and the child. If you would like an application sent electronically, please request one via email.

Don't forget to check your spam folder in your email. If you have a Gmail account, your Union emails will sometimes end up in your Promotional Folder. If you are ever looking for an email from us, just search ceui.org in your email search bar. Go into your email settings and set, "@ceui.org" as an accepted sender.

If your contact information changes, new email, cell, or address please be sure to notify the Union and we will be happy to update your information.

Contact Tracy Deegan at 860-343-8712 or tdeegan@ceui.org

Union News Page 2

MEMBERS IN ACTION

Steve Schrag (retired, CEUI) has dedicated his career to bringing public awareness of the real dangers our members face on our roadways. For many years, he lobbied the DOT Commissioners and legislators, now the Fallen Workers’ Memorial can be seen at every rest stop across Connecticut. Motorists enter and exit the rest stops with a reminder to slow down for work zones.

Thanks to Steve Schrag's tireless efforts, the Fallen Workers' Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by the brave men and women who work on our roads every day. The memorial honors the memory of those who have lost their lives while performing their duties, and it also serves as a call to action for all drivers to exercise caution and slow down when approaching work zones. By raising public awareness of the dangers faced by roadside workers, Steve has helped to make our roads safer for everyone, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all to work towards a safer, more compassionate society.

On October 12th, Higher Education unions held their first press event demanding emergency funding for CSCU (Connecticut State Colleges and Universities). Steward Brett Lewis, a General Trades Worker at Asnuntuck Community College, spoke up about the need for funding and staffing. Lewis stated that students deserve to get an education in buildings that are clean and safe. Public Higher Ed is facing over a 100 million dollar deficit by 2025.

CT community college students are experiencing a reduction in services and educational opportunities due to insufficient funding by Governor Lamont. CSCU trains, certifies, and educates future workers who will dedicate their careers to public service and the residents of Connecticut. Without fully funded public higher education, every state agency will struggle to fill vital positions. This fight affects all of us, and our solidarity is vital.

On December 4th, Executive Board Member Tina Griffith joined the UConn Advocacy Group which ensures all union members from UCHC and UConn are represented and have a say in budgets, jobs, and safety issues. Our NP-2 members, including maintainers and custodians, are crucial to the success of UCHC and UConn, and it's important to recognize their contributions and support them.

Dear CT Employees Union Independent,

What a success! This year, the Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project provided over 998 Thanksgiving baskets for Middletown families in need. Your donations of 72 gravy, 78 cranberry, 6 stuffing, 4 corn, 8 green beans; $20 helped make this possible!!

Union News Page 3

MEMBERS IN ACTION

Joseph Harvey (DOT) with Mayor Dorinda Borer

Kevin Backman (retired) with daughter Blaire

Alisha Blake being sworn in by Sen. Matt Lesser

Joseph Harvey (DOT Steward) was re-elected to the Board of Zoning Appeals in West Haven. Joseph Harvey is a dedicated COPE member who attended several COPE meetings campaigning for union-endorsed candidates while also campaigning in West Haven to elect Mayor Dorinda Borer.

Kevin Backman of Portland (DAS, retired) was honored with The Ralph Paley Spirit Award and community leadership in September. Kevin’s unwavering commitment to the Portland Food Bank is making a positive difference to the residents in need in Portland.

Alisha Blake (CEUI Political Director) was elected to the New London Board of Education and was sworn in by Senator Matt Lesser on December 4th. We are excited to hear about the great things she will do for her community during her term.

We congratulate Joseph Harvey, Kevin Backman, and Alisha Blake for their recent accomplishments. The involvement of union members in local politics is crucial for the betterment of their communities. When union-endorsed candidates are elected to city councils and town boards, workers have a voice at the table to fight for their rights and protections, including health and safety regulations, fair pay, job security, and benefits.We look forward to seeing the positive impact that these union members will have on their communities during their terms in office.

Tickets can be purchased from the following committee members:

• Shawn White, DOT/E. Granby Stores (c) 860-942-9437
• Tina Griffith, UConn/Storrs (c) 860-428-4517
• Steven Smith, UConn/Storrs (c) 413-652-5307
• Barbara Szablowski, Manchester CC (c) 860-280-8438
• Andy White, ECSU (c) 860-208-4095
• Alice Lee, ECSU (c) 860-208-0175
• Shannon Miller, DOT/Colchester Repair (c) 860-921-2336
• Theo Horesco, Union HQ (w) 860-343-8714
• Rich Baez, Union HQ (w) 860-343-8716
• Danielle McMullen, Union HQ (w) 860-343-8720
• Russ Morin, Union HQ (w) 860-343-8728
• Deryl Walker, Union HQ (w) 860-343-8737
• Gary White, Union HQ (w) 860-343-8701
• Tom White, Union Retiree (w) 860-230-7330
  

Union News Page 4

HEALTHCARE & RETIREMENT

Retiree & Healthcare Staff Rep Kathy Chubet is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and can be reached at 860-343-8722 or kchubet@ceui.org

BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION

Care Compass (www.carecompass.ct.gov) is the online hub for access to health benefits materials, forms and information on the state health plan.

Quantum Health provides customer service for the Anthem plan.

Quantum Care Coordinators can help with questions about HEP, condition management and claims. They can be reached by logging on to your portal through carecompass.ct.gov, by calling (833) 740-3258 or from the MyQHealth app.

Once registered and logged in to your portal:

1. Select the My Health tab to view your HEP information.
2. Select the My Plan tab to view your current medical plan.
   
3. Click Pharmacy under My Plan to review your CVS account and manage prescriptions directly.
   

Here is a convenient list of important contact information:

State of CT Retirement Division Customer Service

• 860-702-3480 or osc.rsd@ct.gov
  

Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage

Active Employees and non-Medicare Retirees

• Quantum Health 1-833-740-3258
• Register for your personal Quantum Health account from Carecompass.ct.gov
  

Retirees (and/or their dependents) on Medicare

• Aetna 1-855-648-0391
  
• Aetna Hearing Services 1-833-689-0549
  

Dental Coverage/All Employees and Retirees

• Cigna 1-800-244-6224 or www.cigna.com/stateofct
  

Union News Page 5

HEALTHCARE & RETIREMENT

Retiree & Healthcare Staff Rep Kathy Chubet is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and can be reached at 860-343-8722 or kchubet@ceui.org

REMINDER FOR AETNA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN MEMBERS

The Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan for retirees (and/or their dependents) on Medicare includes medical and prescription drug coverage. The Aetna Medicare Advantage plan is the only option for state retiree medical and prescription drug coverage. If you opt out of the Aetna plan, you opt out of your only state-sponsored coverage.

You are only able to enroll in one Medicare Advantage and one Medicare Part D plan at a time. The state’s Aetna Medicare Advantage plan includes prescription drug coverage. Do not enroll in any other Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan (Medicare Part C or Part D) – doing so will disenroll you from the state’s Aetna Medicare Advantage plan and cause your state-sponsored medical and pharmacy coverage to end for your and your dependents.

Union Membership for Retirees

When you retire, please reply to our invitation to remain a CEUI member. Sign and return your Pension Deduction Authorization card - dues are only $3.00 per month and are deducted from your monthly pension payment.

As a CEUI retiree member, you can get Union assistance to resolve issues with your health insurance, pension or Medicare reimbursement. Retired members also receive Union communications and are eligible to attend Union events such as picnics and conventions.

(You may receive invitations to join other unions as a State of CT retiree. You can recognize our CEUI invitation by our $3.00 monthly dues amount.)

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

If you have questions about retirement eligibility, retiree health care, or how to start the retirement process, contact Kathy Chubet.

The effective date of all retirements must be the first of a month. And it’s best to start the retirement process approximately 60 days before your planned retirement date.

If you’re interested in getting a pension estimate, there are a couple of ways to get one:

1. If you use CORE-CT:
   
• Log into CORE-CT
  
• On the home page, find the box in the lower left-hand corner marked “pension,” then click on the “Pension Estimates” link.
  
• You can get estimates based on retirement date or age at retirement.
  
2. If you’re not able to use the pension estimator in CORE-CT, you can contact Retirement Customer Service at 860-702-3480 to request an estimate(s).
   

Union News Page 6

Connecticut Employees Union Independent

SEIU Local 511, AFL-CIO, CLC

PO Box 1268

Middletown CT 06457

Don't forget to notify us of any change in your mailing address or email address. Check our website www.ceui.org

and follow us on Facebook (Connecticut Employees Union Independent) for CEUI news and information.

Go PAPERLESS and sign up TODAY for our quarterly newsletter. Contact ksullivan@ceui.org

UNION NEWS

Check us out at www.ceui.org

Facebook @Connecticut Employees Union Independent

Twitter @CEUI_SEIU_511