Workers, Labor Leaders to Hold Press Conference to Respond to Supreme Court Decision on Janus v. AFSCME Council 31

HARTFORD – Workers, labor leaders, and community supporters will hold a press conference on Wednesday, June 27, at 4:00 p.m. to respond to the Supreme Court decision released this morning on the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 case.

“From brave first responders to dedicated public school teachers to life-saving nurses, our community is strong because of those who answer the call to public service,” said Lori Pelletier, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO. “These public service workers are able to serve their communities better because they are union workers, and together as a union, they have the freedom to speak up together to help make our communities strong and safe.”

“The billionaires and corporate CEOs who supported the Janus case are attempting to divide working people and limit our power in numbers,” Pelletier continued. “They know that unions give workers a powerful voice in speaking up for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Speakers at the press conference, who will denounce the decision and declare that they will stand together in union, include:

• Lori Pelletier, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO;
• Kate Dias, math teacher at Manchester High School and president of the Manchester Education Association;
• Taffy Womack, administrative assistant at the Secretary of the State’s Office and President of AFSCME Local 704;
• Richard Hart, firefighter in Waterbury and member of IAFF Local 1339;
• Ciro Gutierrez, janitor at UConn and member of SEIU Local 32BJ;
• Shellye Davis, paraeducator at Moylan School in Hartford and co-president of AFT Local 2221;
• Lynell Brown, mental health associate at Capitol Region Mental Health and member of SEIU Local 1199.

To set up separate interviews with the workers or leaders at the press conference, please contact the respective communications staffer.

What: Press conference in response to Supreme Court decision on Janus v. AFSCME Council 31

When: Wednesday, June 27 at 4:00 p.m.

Where: Steps of the CT Supreme Court, 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

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