Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman remarked, “I have known and worked with Sharon for many years and am thrilled that she is joining our team. The people of Connecticut will soon learn that she fully shares our administration’s commitment to growing our workforce, expanding training and employment opportunities and making sure our workers are treated fairly and have a safe working environment.”
“I want to thank Governor Malloy for this opportunity,” said Sharon Palmer. “Governor Malloy is a strong supporter of the rights of working people, and he understands that change is best achieved when labor and management work together.”
With more than two decades of labor relations experience Sharon will be working to move the labor department forward in protecting the rights of working people across Connecticut.
“This is an opportunity to work with our governor and legislature to ensure that the rights of working people are respected,” says Palmer. “From workplace safety to the right to form a union, standing up for workers statewide will be our goal.”
Sharon has served as president of AFT Connecticut since 2003. She also has more than 20 years of classroom experience as a public school teacher, primarily in the Waterford Public School System. In addition to her extensive professional experience, Ms. Palmer has served on the Waterford Representative Town Meeting for the past 19 years. She also just recently stepped down from serving on the State Treasurers’ Investment Advisory Board.
Sharon has accomplished much during her term as president of AFT Connecticut including:
-Education reform that emphasizes training and development for teachers.
-Access to Family Medical Leave for Paraprofessionals.
-Access to healthcare for municipalities, non-profits and small businesses through the state employee health pool.
-Strengthening the Teachers’ Retirement Fund.
-Protecting and preserving collective bargaining rights for public employees.
-Restoration of the adult education Licensed Practical Nurse program in vocational-technical schools.
“It has been an honor serving as a leader of our union and I will continue to represent our members and all working people as Connecticut’s Labor Commissioner,” said Palmer.
