Ed Hawthorne, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, joined the AWF Union Podcast and praised the effort of organized labor in the state, who helped fellow union members successfully run for legislative seats.
Hawthorne said 31 total union members were elected to the Connecticut Senate and House in November, thanks to the effort of organized labor. In the Senate, nine union members were elected, and make up 25 percent of the body. In the House, 22 union members were elected and comprise about 15 percent of that chamber.
This success on Election Day will help push a pro-union legislative agenda, which includes the passage of an unemployment bill. This proposed legislation would provide unemployment benefits to workers who go on strike. The bill is in the midst of public hearings, which Hawthorne described as difficult due to a negative stigma surrounding the bill.
Hawthorne also addressed the status of a bill passed by the previous legislature that banned captive audience meetings. Since its enactment, a group of business owners sued the state and claimed the law violates their right to free speech. He challenged this notion and gave his thoughts on how the lawsuit will play out in court.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.