Honoring Representative Emmanuel (Manny) Sanchez with the 2026 Worker Solidarity Legislative Award

WHEREAS, Representative Manny Sanchez has served as a tireless advocate for Connecticut’s working people and has consistently stood with organized labor in the fight for workplace justice, economic security, and dignity on the job, and

WHEREAS, as Co-Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee during the 2026 legislative session, Representative Sanchez played a leading role in advancing legislation that delivered meaningful improvements to the lives of working people across Connecticut, and

WHEREAS, the labor omnibus legislation established a minimum wage for cannabis workers, ensuring that workers in a growing industry receive fair compensation for their labor, and

WHEREAS, the legislation extended portal-to-portal workers’ compensation coverage to public works department employees and enhanced workers’ compensation protections for teachers, paraeducators, healthcare workers, and related employees who are assaulted on the job and unable to work, and

WHEREAS, the legislation strengthened job security by requiring employers that assume service contracts to retain incumbent workers for at least ninety days, helping protect workers from unnecessary displacement and economic hardship, and

WHEREAS, the legislation advanced pay transparency by requiring employers to include wage or salary ranges in job postings, providing workers with greater information and fairness in the hiring process, and

WHEREAS, the legislation honored the sacrifices of public servants by extending Fallen Hero Fund benefits to surviving family members of correction officers and investigators killed in the line of duty and by providing tuition waivers for eligible police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel attending Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and

WHEREAS, the legislation also established a streamlined process to remove dangerous double utility poles, improving safety for workers and the public alike, and

WHEREAS, these achievements represent significant progress for working people and reflect Representative Sanchez’s steadfast commitment to advancing the priorities of Connecticut’s labor movement, so

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions proudly recognize Representative Manny Sanchez for his leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to working people throughout the 2026 legislative session, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO convention delegates express their sincere appreciation for Representative Manny Sanchez’s tireless efforts to strengthen workers’ rights, improve workplace protections, and advance policies that benefit working families across Connecticut, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO convention delegates are pleased to honor Representative Manny Sanchez with its 2026 Worker Solidarity Legislative Award.

Submitted By: Resolutions Committee

Convention Action: APPROVE REJECT