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Lunch and Learn with MPEC

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

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Walk for Sickle Cell Awareness and Research

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

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Helping Families with Back to School

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

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Leadership for Tumultuous Times

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

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Politicos and Union Leaders Stand with Working People

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

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AFT-Maryland Remains United as SCOTUS Sides with Corporate Interests

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"17871","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image media-image-right","style":"width: 33%; float: right; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;"}}]]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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