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BTU QuEST Conference

The Baltimore Teachers Union held their 35th annual QuEST Conference and Health Fair. There were a number of breakout sessions, panels and conversations that all worked to give BTU members tools and resources to help them better serve their young people. The keynote speaker was Robert Jackson. He is a nationally renowned speaker, educator, consultant, and owner of Lavelle Publishing and Robert Jackson Consulting. Mr. Jackson has created positive change in school systems nationally, working to bridge the gap between parents, educators, administrators, and students.

The federation’s political

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Members testify for prescription coverage for retirees

Two locals in the federation came together to let their voices be heard. City Union of Baltimore retirees joined with leadership and Baltimore Teachers Union retirees to testify at a city council hearing about changes to the prescription drug benefits plan for Baltimore city retirees. CUB President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson kicked off the panel. She spoke about the need to ensure a fair and equitable prescription drug benefit plan for current and retired city municipal workers.

President Ryan-Johnson was joined by CUB retiree Donald Morris and BTU retiree Marsha Taylor in supporting the City

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Balt. County African American Cultural Festival

The 2017 Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival is an annual event that brings citizens of all walks of life to the center of county politics to observe, engage, and enjoy African-American culture. There were a diverse array of vendors and sponsors on the scene this year and they provided valuable art and information to the attendees. Once again, AFT-Maryland was set up in the Education Village. There, the state federation passed out books, registered people to vote, and had personal hygiene bags available for students and families.

Members from across the federation were also out

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Supreme Court: Janus v. AFSCME 31

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It is disappointing that the Supreme Court has granted certiorari in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31. Labor unions have been the engine that have driven the economic motor of the middle class in the United States during the majority of the 20th century. It is no coincidence that as labor union participation has decreased in the nation over the last few decades, the wages of workers have remained stagnant while the richest Americans continue to get richer...

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CUB Retiree Anniversary

The City Union of Baltimore-Retiree chapter had their Second (2nd) Anniversary luncheon on Tuesday, September 19th at the CUB office. The event was well attended and beyond simply celebrating the retiree chapter, the union had information presented by a number of speakers to ensure that members are still living engaged and enriching lives, even into retirement. Lauren Luchi who heads up AFT’s retiree division called on those in attendance to call their Senators and tell them to vote NO on the Graham-Cassidy health care bill. At one point during the luncheon, she got everyone to take out their

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State Employee Bargaining Team Meeting

AFT-Maryland applauds our state employee members as they begin the process of bargaining for a new contract. In advance of official negotiating sessions, AFT Healthcare-Maryland (AFTHCMD) and the Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC) held meetings to provide context and background for those that are on the negotiating team. The meeting took place at the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) offices and featured a number of speakers and presenters.

MPEC staff including Royale Simms informed members of the state’s  past financial decisions involving COLA increases (or lack thereof) for state

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