News

In a post-Janus world it has become more important than ever to make sure public employees know their rights when it comes to unions. The Maryland Professional Employees Council hosted a “Lunch & Learn” for members, new hires, and non-members alike. This lunch and learn featured President Jerry Smith discussing the benefits of membership including having a voice at the table as the union negotiates on workers’ behalf. President Smith let those in attendance know that economic bargaining would soon open up between the union and the state and it would be important for workers’ to be members so

Summer is a busy time for the locals of AFT-Maryland. Beyond their duties as members and officers of public sector labor unions, many volunteer in the community for a number of worthwhile causes. The 2018 Maryland Walk With the Stars & Move-a-thon for sickle cell awareness and research was one of those causes AFT-Maryland showed up for. The state federation manned a table that had child identity packets, school supplies, giveaways, and most importantly voter registration forms. Some of attendees saw the voter registration table and brought over their teenagers to get registered. Others took

AFT-Maryland staff joined with the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) for their annual back to school event. This year, the event was done in conjunction with Church of the Holy Trinity and the West Baltimore Community. There were a number of activities for young and old alike. Children at every grade level received backpacks stuffed with school supplies and other items students would need for the upcoming school year.

In addition to the goods students received, there were free haircuts and nail painting done on site. There was a face painting activity as well as a games center. The DJ provided fun

Leadership for Tumultuous Times
Convention 2018 Election Results

Much like how many public sector employees have vowed #ImStickingWithMyUnion, the delegates at the AFT Convention have decided they are sticking with the strong leadership that has been guiding the union through some of our most turbulent times. The Progressive Caucus was overwhelmingly re-elected at the 2018 AFT Convention. The caucus is led by the dynamic trio of President Randi Weingarten, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Lorretta Johnson and Vice-President Mary Cathryn Ricker.

There were 43 people elected as AFT Vice-Presidents and again

A highlight of the convention was the impactful speakers that delegates and guests heard from over three days in Pittsburgh. The headliner among them was former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for President of the United States, Hillary Clinton. After addressing the convention two years ago in Minneapolis to mixed reaction, this time she was warmly received by all in the hall. She was there accepting the AFT’s Women’s Rights Award. In addressing the crowd, Secretary Clinton noted that “our work has gotten tougher, but so have we.” She commented on the Janus v. AFSCME decision which

The City Union of Baltimore and AFT Healthcare-Maryland came together for a weeklong mobilization effort. Each local set out to identify potential members and turn them into full members and even more, into activists for the union. These efforts are usually done in conjunction with AFT National and this one was no different. In addition to the members and staff of CUB and AFTHC-MD, Jennifer Pocari led the troops from the national office.

The mobilization efforts involved member-to-member engagement, and trained members on the best way to reach out to, speak with, and engage other members. Non

The AFL-CIO has announced their list of Labor-Endorsed candidates for the 2018 Primary election. The list includes endorsements for state-wide races as well races for state senate, state house of delegates, and local and county-wide races.

MD State & DC AFL-CIO Endorsements

Local races, Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO

Local races, Metro Washington AFL-CIO

Early voting for the Primary Election occurs from June 14-21, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visit https://elections.maryland.gov/ for your voting location and more. 

The Maryland primary election will be held Tuesday, June 26th.

The AFT Healthcare Maryland held a steward training at their headquarters on Rutherford Road. This gathering of new union activists show that the commitment to democracy in the workplace is alive and well. The local welcomed more than a dozen members interested in being a voice for their fellow workers in the workplace. At the training, the members learned and developed a number of ways to best advocate for public sector workers.

In light of the Janus decision soon expected from the Supreme Court, every example of democracy in the workplace shows the will of the worker is not defined by a