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On the Passing of Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian

AFT-Maryland President Marietta English Statement
on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian

When giants the size of Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis passed, the country rightfully paused to reflect on the way they helped shape our nation into a more perfect union. It's important that we reflect on what these men fought for and how that fight remains. They fought for justice and equality here in the United States. Rev. Vivian was heralded by none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the "greatest preacher to ever live." His moral clarity and willingness to sacrifice are a guide to every freedom fighter. One such fighter was 16 years his junior but would go on to be his colleague.

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Statement on Gov Hogan's Veto of Blueprint for Maryland's Future / Kirwan

AFT-Maryland Statement on Gov. Hogan's Veto of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Legislation aka Kirwan & Revenue Generating Legislation

Baltimore, MD - AFT-Maryland is deeply disappointed in Governor Hogan's decision to ignore the bi-artisan enactment of the Kirwan Commission School reforms. With his veto of HB1300, the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, Governor Hogan has unfortunately reverted to out-of-date and tired rhetoric that has proven to be ineffective at bringing positive change to public education. To do so in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that is exposing the resource gaps of so many Baltimore city students is disappointing.

The commission which worked for nearly four years to deliberate and put forth these recommendations not only had numerous

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Strikes and shutdowns

In Los Angeles, UTLA members took to the picket lines because their schools are starved of resources. In Washington, D.C., President Trump has shut down the government to secure his border wall. In her monthly New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten writes that when our elected leaders fail, whether by not funding public schools or by shutting down services that provide for our safety, they strike at the very heart of what makes us a democratic republic. Read the full column.

Struggling in a ‘strong’ economy

In her monthly New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten highlights the massive gap between President Trump’s rhetoric and reality.  While the well-to-do are doing very well in the current economy, working Americans have been left behind. Weingarten demands leaders take action to benefit all Americans by ensuring accessible, affordable healthcare for all; reining in college debt; and adequately funding public education. Read the full column.

AFT-Maryland Remains United as SCOTUS Sides with Corporate Interests

AFT-Maryland Remains United and Committed to Organizing as Supreme Court Sides with Wealthy, Corporate Interests in Anti-Union Case

Decision Won’t Stop Union Growth as Workers Organize to Give Voice to Shared Values

Baltimore, MD—The Supreme Court’s decision, in the case Janus v. AFSCME invalidates state laws allowing labor unions to collect fees from everyone in a bargaining unit, including non-members, to pay the costs of bargaining and other representation the union is required to provide.

Marietta English, president of AFT-Maryland which represents over 20,000 public sector workers across the state of Maryland including teachers, nurses, correctional officers, 911 call operators, and other municipal and state professionals, predicted that the decision ultimately will lead to greater member engagement and activism.

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