PRESS RELEASE

CONNECTICUT, April 23, 2020 – For United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU), which represents over 200 bargaining units throughout the State of Connecticut, it is business as usual in their representation of its members during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  While continuing to provide its customary high level of service to its members, UPSEU is also taking measures to protect their health and safety and to show its gratitude for all the essential employees for the work they are doing and the sacrifices they are making during these challenging times.

On April 21^st, the Hamden Supervisors bargaining unit purchased and orchestrated the delivery of 100 meals to Yale New Haven Hospital in order to thank the incredibly hardworking and tremendously brave nurses who are facing the brunt of this pandemic head-on. The idea originated with the bargaining unit and when UPSEU President Kevin Boyle learned of the plan, he reached out to the restaurant preparing the food and added a donation to assist in expanding the number of meals. Boyle stated, “It’s great what our Hamden Supervisors unit did, and I know our members everywhere are reaching out to assist people throughout the state.”

In addition, when UPSEU received calls and emails from bargaining unit members still mandated to come in to work each day – dispatchers, sanitation workers, custodians and maintenance workers, food service workers, and all others deemed essential – without being provided proper personal protective equipment by their employers, UPSEU took action.  UPSEU ordered and received a shipment of masks, which were then distributed within two or three days by individual UPSEU labor relations representatives to bargaining units that needed them.

In an effort to further express its thanks, UPSEU has also posted signs, which can be seen in towns throughout the state, thanking ALL ESSENTIAL WORKERS that are serving their communities during this health crisis.  In the next several days UPSEU is also expecting that a shipment of Gas Monkey Energy Drink which is being donated by a connection with one of UPSEU’s law enforcement members, which the union plans to assist in distributing to police and fire departments, healthcare workers, dispatchers and other essential workers throughout the state irrespective of their UPSEU membership. 

According to UPSEU President Kevin Boyle, the current crisis is a shared problem and we must all collectively do what we can help those who have been affected most, “We’re all in this together and we’re only going to get through this together, so it is important for UPSEU to do what it can to protect its members and give back to all those who are out there working and sacrificing and risking their own safety.  We appreciate every single one of them,” said Boyle.