AFT-MARYLAND PRAISES SEN. THOMAS V. MIKE MILLER ON HIS TENURE AS SENATE PRESIDENT AND WELCOMES SEN. BILL FERGUSON TO LEADERSHIP

Thomas V. “Mike” Miller has led the upper chamber of the General Assembly for many years and his invaluable leadership has allowed the state to prioritize public employees and their families. His leadership on key educational and labor issues will be remembered by generations to come. AFT-Maryland wishes Sen. Miller a full and speedy recovery. His tireless efforts to preside over such an important body as he battled his illness showed the commitment to the people of

Unions and social justice have gone hand-in-hand for decades. Any organization that’s committed to democracy and fairness in the workplace would logically work to ensure that the rights of all people are upheld. AFT is no different, and the Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Committee is the arm of the union that works on these issues specifically. It’s with this that a contingency from AFT-Maryland made their way to Montgomery, Alabama for the 2019 AFT Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Conference.

Led by AFT-Maryland President Marietta English, members from the Baltimore Teachers Union Local 340

It is with a heavy heart that AFT-Maryland joins Baltimore and the world in mourning the passing of Thomas D'Alesandro III. Mayor D'Alesandro's contributions to the city are immeasurable but he'll be most remembered for his efforts to attack racial discrimination head on. His work as both City Council President and later as Mayor to end discrimination in this city took political courage unique to the time he served.

Mayor D'Alesandro expended political capital to build new schools and to appoint African-Americans to important, high-ranking city positions. While most remembered as a part of a

The state federation was heart-broken to learn of the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings. His service to the city of Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and our country is beyond measurable and the void of his absence will be felt by all of us.

During his political career in the state house and in Congress he had been an ally to labor, public education, and public employees. His efforts helped all of the various locals of AFT-Maryland and Congressman Cummings made sure public employees were treated with the dignity and respect consistent with their work. His tireless work ensured that

AFT-Maryland’s presence in the community knows no limits or bounds. It makes sense then, that when SEIU 32BJ and Maryland Secure Wages Coalition held a Worker Appreciation Cookout in Baltimore, the state federation was there in solidarity and unity with our labor sisters and brothers. Carroll Park was full of vibrant energy, enthusiastic workers and engaged union staff and members as workers were appreciated. This event is keeping with an ongoing effort to organize workers at transportation hubs throughout the state including Penn Station, the port, and BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Beyond

The Baltimore Teachers Union  Retiree Chapter (BTU 340R) recently had newly elected executive board members sworn in to office. These officers represent the retirees’ interests in a number of different capacities. Our retirees are among the state federation’s most loyal and consistent volunteers for community outreach efforts, phone banking in support of union-endorsed candidates, and lobbying in Annapolis and in Baltimore city.

Velma Hicks was re-elected to president, while Thomas Frazier will serve as vice president. The secretary is Geneva Harris, while Blanch Morgan III is the treasurer. Oz