AMECSS About Us
AMECSS (the Association of Managerial Employees in the Connecticut State Service) is an association for state employees not covered (for the most part state managers) by the 1975 State Employee Relations Act (SERA). AMECSS, formerly known as SMAC (the State Mangers Association of Connecticut) was established in 1977 for the exclusive benefit of its members. Its primary objectives are to promote the economic welfare, protect the professional nature and ensure fairness and equity for Connecticut state managers. AMECSS is governed by a seven member Board of Directors selected by its members. Board members are elected for a two year term. The next election will be in June 2010. All officers and board members serve on a voluntary basis.
AMECSS is affiliated with CSEA – the Connecticut State Employees Association. CSEA receives one third of our bi-weekly dues of $4.50 per member. In return, CSEA provides professional representation for members in disciplinary meetings including representation before the employee Review Board; representation on the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC); eligibility for McCusker Scholarships awarded annually to children and grandchildren of AMECSS/CSEA members; and office support. Over the years, AMECSS has had some very significant victories before the Employees Review Board (ERB) and at the legislature. In 1993 we were successful in getting legislation passed that provides managers with up to eight weeks notice prior to layoff. In 1997 the ERB upheld the right of laid-off managers to file grievances. We were also successful in securing the right for managers to have institutional grievances heard by the ERB in addition to individual manager grievances.
AMECSS primarily supports state managers through its work at the legislature. The General Assembly remains the major forum for improving salaries and working conditions of managerial employees. AMECSS has a contract with Bobby Shea, Lobbyist, who diligently works to support the association’s legislative agenda. Bobby attends the monthly Board meetings and works with the Board on developing legislative proposals. He also keeps board members informed about legislative and government actions that have relevance for state managers and lobbies on behalf of managers with state legislators.