Unions from across the state came together Monday, March 15th for the AFL-CIO’s annual Night in Annapolis. Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO President Ernie Grecco hosted the event, encouraging union members to meet with Maryland delegates and to make their positions known on pertinent legislation.
Several union leaders and delegates addressed the crowd of approximately one thousand union members. Among the delegates who joined the rally and promised support for the unions’ causes were Tod Schuler (D-District 8), Karen Montgomery (D-District 14), Jon Cardin (D-District 11), George Della (D-District 46), Alfred Carr (D-District 18), Johnnie Forehand (D- District17), Keith Haines (D- District 44), Barbara A. Robinson (D- District 44, and Veronica Turner (D- District 26).
Tom Hucker (D- District 20), told the assembly to “hold the feet of Maryland’s delegates to the fire” when it comes to stopping corporate greed. Hucker is a co-sponsor of the House Bill 584, legislation that requires corporations to pay their fair share of taxes. AFT-Maryland supports of this bill as part of its “Invest in Maryland” initiative, which also calls for increased taxes on millionaires.
Several union leaders also addressed the gathering, including Gary Griffin, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Donna Edwards, Secretary-Treasurer of the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO; Pat Moran, State Director of the AFSCME; Glenard S. Middleton, President of Maryland Public Employees (Local 44); and Cory McCray, the new Chairman of the Young Trade Unionists; and Rod Easter, president of the Baltimore Building and Construction Trades Council.
The turnout of union members from across the state sent a signal to Maryland legislators. Union members are politically active and, using the strength of their numbers, can support or punish those who hold political offices.
