AFT-Maryland was out with sisters and brothers in labor at the Metro-Baltimore AFL-CIO Union night in Annapolis. The night was highlighted by the words of the Maryland and DC AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Jackson’s words that it doesn’t matter if you’re a D or R as long as you support labor issues. Most of the speakers that evening didn’t speak on partisan policies but rather on ensuring that working women and men of Maryland and their families would not be harmed by any legislation before the General Assembly.

Among the state federation there was a strong contingent from our local

AFT-Maryland stood in solidarity with our brother from SEIU32BJ as he faces discipline for testifying in Annapolis for higher wages. Berhanu Yiferu testified in Annapolis for a bill that would raise the wages of transportation employees. The next day he found out his services were no longer needed at his job. His employer, airline subcontractor Prospect, claims he was let go because he missed assisting a passenger but Yiferu, colleagues, and his union maintain this was retribution for his testimony in Annapolis.

AFT-Maryland joined with other labor activists, religious leaders, and Baltimore

Maryland School for the Deaf Faculty and Staff Association (MSDFSA) VP Jackie Guers made sure the word was spread throughout her campus that Wednesday, February 26, 2020 was Union Day. Faculty and staff at the Columbia campus turned out in great numbers to meet AFT-Maryland staff. Frank Pratka, an organizer who has been working with the local for a number of years, spoke with and engaged a number of members he has worked with before, and Aaron Ray worked intently to get contact information and sign up new members during the event.

Once most of the staff finished their responsibilities for the

Implementing the Kirwan Commission recommendations is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to make significant changes to the way Maryland students are educated. These changes will have particular effects on Baltimore City Public School students as well as students from Prince George’s county. Those two districts stand out because they are two of the only three school districts in Maryland where a majority of the student population is Black. In that vein, members from the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) and the Prince George’s County Education Association (PGCEA) united for a first of its kind

AFT-Maryland will be holding a Mayoral Candidate Forum for members of our locals. Join with fellow members of AFT-Maryland for a Mayoral Candidate Forum. Hear from the various candidates for Baltimore City Mayor as they share their visions for the future of the City. Be there to ensure the candidates know our members’ priorities. Help us decide who to support for the AFL-CIO Endorsement.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 12th
TIME: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Event runs from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hearing and Speech Agency,
5900 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215

This event is for members of AFT

Elected leaders are often the ones who referee public employees and their issues with management, so with the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session underway for 2020, AFT-Maryland puts labor leaders and activists in front of decision makers who have a say in issues affecting state employees, municipal employees, and education employees. To further that goal, the state federation hosted our annual 2020 Legislative Reception. The event was well attended by members and legislators.

Over light fare, AFT-Maryland members and leaders discussed the vital issues facing legislators that affect