Maryland School for the Deaf Faculty and Staff Association (MSDFSA) VP Jackie Guers made sure the word was spread throughout her campus that Wednesday, February 26, 2020 was Union Day. Faculty and staff at the Columbia campus turned out in great numbers to meet AFT-Maryland staff. Frank Pratka, an organizer who has been working with the local for a number of years, spoke with and engaged a number of members he has worked with before, and Aaron Ray worked intently to get contact information and sign up new members during the event.

Once most of the staff finished their responsibilities for the

Implementing the Kirwan Commission recommendations is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to make significant changes to the way Maryland students are educated. These changes will have particular effects on Baltimore City Public School students as well as students from Prince George’s county. Those two districts stand out because they are two of the only three school districts in Maryland where a majority of the student population is Black. In that vein, members from the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) and the Prince George’s County Education Association (PGCEA) united for a first of its kind

AFT-Maryland will be holding a Mayoral Candidate Forum for members of our locals. Join with fellow members of AFT-Maryland for a Mayoral Candidate Forum. Hear from the various candidates for Baltimore City Mayor as they share their visions for the future of the City. Be there to ensure the candidates know our members’ priorities. Help us decide who to support for the AFL-CIO Endorsement.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 12th
TIME: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Event runs from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hearing and Speech Agency,
5900 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215

This event is for members of AFT

Elected leaders are often the ones who referee public employees and their issues with management, so with the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session underway for 2020, AFT-Maryland puts labor leaders and activists in front of decision makers who have a say in issues affecting state employees, municipal employees, and education employees. To further that goal, the state federation hosted our annual 2020 Legislative Reception. The event was well attended by members and legislators.

Over light fare, AFT-Maryland members and leaders discussed the vital issues facing legislators that affect

The 2019 novel coronavirus and its outbreak has people all over the world on high alert. Fortunately AFT-Maryland is the union for some of the best health care practitioners in the state. We reached out to Crystal Wright, a public health nurse and member of the Baltimore County Federation of Public Health Nurses, Local 5102 to find out what Marylanders in the Baltimore- metro area specifically need to know about the virus and to stay safe.

Q: Are there any cases of reported 2019 novel coronavirus in Maryland? 
According to the CDC, two suspected cases of coronavirus in Maryland were negative. 

Members from the affiliated locals of AFT-Maryland made their way to Annapolis to lobby elected officials on public employee issues that are coming up in the 2020 Maryland legislative session. Lobby night is an annual event that allows the state federation to put members before legislators to make their voices heard. For state employees this is an opportunity to talk with those who make legislation that directly impacts their work life.

The night is a combination of planned meetings and drop-ins. Members are divided into groups and some groups speak to state Senators while others talk with