Melodie Peters, Former Connecticut State Senator and AFT Connecticut President, Dies at 76
Melodie Peters, a longtime labor advocate and Democratic politician from Connecticut, passed away on July 31 at the age of 76. Peters served six terms as a state senator, representing the 20th district from 1993 to 2003. She later became president of AFT Connecticut, a federation of local unions with over 29,000 members. Her progressive leadership and dedication to workers' rights left a lasting impact on the state.
Early Life and Career
Melodie Peters was born in 1946 in New London, CT. She began her career as a nurse at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where she became a prominent voice for nurses' rights. In 1990, Peters took on the role of community liaison for the Thames Valley Labor Coalition, advocating for nurses, healthcare workers, and teachers in the Waterford area.
Tenure as State Senator
In 1992, Peters made history as the first woman elected to represent the 20th district in the Connecticut Senate. She was re-elected five more times, serving from 1993 to 2003. During her third term, Peters rose to Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate and co-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee. She championed progressive causes such as women's rights, affordable healthcare, education funding, and mental health services. Peters was known for her passionate yet pragmatic leadership style.
Leadership of AFT Connecticut'
After retiring from the Senate, Peters relocated to Old Lyme, CT. She became actively involved with AFT Connecticut, a federation of over 100 local unions. In 2011, she was elected president of AFT Connecticut after serving as vice president.
Legacy
As AFT Connecticut president from 2011-2015, Peters led the organization during challenging times including the Great Recession. She fought to protect collective bargaining rights and the interests of the federation's diverse membership, including teachers, nurses, higher education faculty, and other public and private sector employees.
Current AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel called Peters "a trailblazer" who inspired other women to pursue union leadership roles. Her advocacy left a lasting mark on the labor movement in Connecticut.
Death and Remembrances
Peters passed away on July 31, 2022 at the age of 76. Her husband Earl Peters, a former administrator, had died earlier that year.
In a statement, Hochadel praised Peters' "legacy of labor leadership, public service, and civic engagement." She said Peters displayed strength and solidarity during her time as AFT Connecticut's president.
Peters was remembered as a powerful voice for workers' rights and progressive change. Her passion improved the lives of nurses, teachers, and many other union members across Connecticut. Peters' legacy lives on through the many people she inspired to fight for economic, social, and political justice.
Conclusion
Melodie Peters leaves behind a long record of principled leadership in Connecticut politics and the labor movement. For over two decades, she advocated ardently for workers' rights, women's rights, healthcare access, and other progressive reforms. Peters paved the way for women in positions of power and changed the landscape of labor organizing in her state. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
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