Contract Enters Final Year

The 3% general wage increase which took effect on June 20th is the last one due under our current collective bargaining agreement before it expires on June 30, 2009. Negotiations over a successor will begin this fall. As always, we'll attempt to conclude a fair and equitable settlement as quickly as possible. It is far too early however to speculate as to how long the process might take or how it might be impacted by political forces outside our control. Watch this space for updated information as events unfold.

Attention Military Personnel

Members who serve in the military during wartime periods as designated in CGS. 27-103, including National Guard and Reserve members attending summer camps, may now, according to the Attorney General, be entitled to  retirement credit for that time. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Retirement and Benefit Services Division of the Comptroller's Office.

Scholarship Recipients Announced

Academic Achievement Scholarships for 2008 have been awarded to: Thomas Barbone, whose father Peter is a Family Relations Counselor; Jaclyn Borrelli, daughter of Chief Probation Officer Louis Borrelli; brothers Derek and Tory Lussier whose dad Toby is an Adult Probation Officer; and Jacob Ramos, son of Noel Ramos who is a Chief Probation Officer. Four of them will begin their college careers in the fall while one is a returning college student. As a reminder: we award up to five yearly scholarships of $ 2000 each to dependents of JPE Union members who are graduating high school seniors entering an accredited college or university in the fall or are full time college or university students to whom a JPE Scholarship had not been previously awarded. More information is available by clicking the Scholarship menu bar.

Annual Membership Meeting

This year's meeting will take place at the Crowne Plaza-Cromwell on Thursday September 25th. While final details have yet to be worked out, there will likely be a reception followed by a formal program in which Executive Board members will be available to answer member questions and provide updates on our activities over the past year. The Crowne Plaza is easily accessed from I-91 and is roughly in the geographic middle of the state. All members are urged to attend.

We'd Like To Know

We plan to have two surveys up and running on this website this fall. One will query members on a variety of workplace safety issues while the other will seek member input on matters to be addressed during upcoming contract negotiations. Those with workplace computer access (virtually our entire membership) may complete the survey during their lunch or break time. Obviously, those preferring to work from their home computer will have no difficulty accessing either questionnaire.

Mileage Reimbursement Rate

Effective April 1,2008, the rate of reimbursement paid to members using their personal vehicles while on official business will increase form 48.5 cents per mile to 50.5 cents per mile.