Press

Share This

Safe School Reopening Press Conference

AFT-Maryland Locals and Other Union Leaders Join for Solidarity Press Conference on Safe School Reopening.

Leaders from AFT-Maryland's Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) Local 340 and City Union of Baltimore (CUB) Local 800 joined with leadership from AFSCME Local 558 in protesting the planned reopening of Baltimore City Public Schools. The leaders each expressed their concern for the safety and welfare of students, staff, and families should any city schools reopen on Monday as proposed.

CLICK TO READ

more

Healthcare workers ask for assurances from experts about COVID-19 vaccines

Unions representing approximately 2 million healthcare workers have called for independent third-party experts to validate any COVID-19 vaccine before they will receive or administer it. In a joint statement, the AFT, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the Service Employees International Union said, “Given [the Trump administration’s] record of politicization of public health, it is impossible for us to take or promote any vaccine without additional assurance from independent experts that the approval process has not been tainted. Once they recommend a specific vaccine or vaccines, we will be eager to work with federal, state and local bodies and with the leadership of the healthcare community and the communities we serve and live in to accurately educate the public and promote a fair and effective vaccination program for distributing this desperately needed vaccine.” Read the full press release here.

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.

CLICK TO READ 

more

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

more