Current Actions

• Bill Banning Captive Audience Meetings

  Legislative Alert

  We need to keep the pressure on to get the Captive Audience Bill, HB 5460 passed in the Senate.   The corporate lobbyists working against this bill are spreading misinformation that the bill would infringe on the employers First Amendment rights and prohibit employers from communicating important business decisions to employees.  The bill does not restrict the employers’ right in any way.  The bill simply allows an employee, in limited circumstances to leave the meeting, go back to work without reprisal if he or she finds the discussion of politics, religion or union organizing to be offensive.

  Please, if you haven’t done so already TAKE ACTION

• Colebrook Wind Project

  We’re writing to share some good news.  After discussing the project, the Connecticut Siting Council held an informal, non-binding straw vote resulting in a 6-1 outcome in favor of Colebrook South. As you know, Colebrook South is a project which provides three turbines and is one half of the full 6 turbine Colebrook project.  The final vote on Colebrook South will be held on June 2^nd.
   
  We wanted to let you, our friends and supporters, know that things may be looking up for the future of wind energy in Connecticut! It’s not over yet so please take a moment to take action.  Thanks for all of your help and keep spreading the good word!
  
  

• Solar Licenses

  This bill would turn back the clock on the state's licensing laws by allowing PV-1 and PV-2 license holders to connect to a building’s existing electrical system or utility meter without the proper training and experience. 

   

  Solar energy panels/modules are high voltage technologies and should only be installed by qualified licensed professionals with adequate training and experience.  This is why the State Building Inspector recently issued a Code Enforcement Bulletin indicating that Solar PV license holders could not connect to an existing panel, junction box or circuit on the premises. This is a life safety issue.

   

  Recognizing the inherent danger in working with high voltage technologies, the vast majority of states require solar PV systems to be installed by a licensed electrician, even where they have a separate PV license. In order to become a licensed electrician, an individual needs to complete a four-year apprenticeship training program of 8,000 hours as well as related classroom instruction. 

   

  However, the required training and related educational requirements needed to sit for the PV limited license examinations is much more limited and not sufficient to protect the safety of workers or consumers. A person may be eligible to sit for the PV-1 Limited Solar Electric Contractor license examination after two years (4,000 work hours) as a solar journeyperson (apprentice) and 144 hours of school/year or equivalent experience and training.

  Allowing solar PV installations to be performed by individuals who are not fully licensed as an electrician may result in unsafe practices that may result in injuries, loss of life and damage to property. 

   

  Tell your legislators that you OPPOSE this bill because electrical work should only be performed by E-1 and E-2 licensed professionals who understand the inherent risks involved and who have the knowledge and training needed to perform the work safely. 

• Wind Energy

  Presently there is a Bill being reviewed by the Connecticut Committee on Energy and Technology that would establish a moratorium on Wind energy projects. If this Bill were to pass it would have a negative impact on working men and women in Connecticut. Please take a moment to take action and ensure Connecticut keeps working towards breaking its dependence on foreign oil while keeping Connecticut working.

• Bill Banning Captive Audience Meetings

  There is a Bill being debated in Connecticut that would essentially ban all captive audience meetings which would greatly help employees gain a voice on the job. Please take a moment and get involved in this action so other workers may have the freedom to not be subjected to constant meetings that are in the companies best interest and not the employees best interest.