Maryland’s legislative future is being redefined as Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk assumes her role as leader of the House of Representatives, bringing a career’s worth of progressive momentum. Representing District 21 (Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties), her elevation to the speakership represents more than a leadership change; it is a mandate for the progressive values that have defined her career including her commitment to organized labor and working families.

Speaker Peña-Melnyk’s support for working people is rooted in her personal history...

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Our AFT Maryland family has been hit hard. Since Thanksgiving, we have been mourning the tragic loss of our brother Gregory Turnipseed, a 14-year Baltimore City Department of Transportation employee and proud member of the City Union of Baltimore who lost his life after being assaulted on the job. Mr. Turnipseed represented the best of us. A dedicated public servant who showed up every day to help others. His life and service exemplified the very best of our city workforce.

As we remember Mr. Turnipseed, we also remind all our members of our steadfast commitment to worker safety and to the fight ahead. No one should ever go to work with the fear of losing their life.

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After months of bargaining, faculty at Prince George's Community College have secured a tentative agreement that addresses critical issues while providing increased salaries and improved working conditions.

“Our members were pushed to the breaking point by decisions made without transparency, without collaboration, and without respect. Faculty were treated as if their voices didn’t matter. But we organized, we built power, and we made sure management heard us loud and clear,” said UAMD President Angelique Cook-Hayes. “This agreement is the direct result of faculty refusing to accept unilateral changes and standing shoulder to shoulder to demand fairness. When we fight together, we win.”

Read on for the full press release, including quotes from AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell, AFT President Randi Weingarten, and AAUP President Todd Wolfson.

AFT Maryland and many of our local affiliates once again participated in the AFL-CIO Community Services of Central Maryland's annual Holiday Basket and Toy Drive for union families in need. AFT Maryland staff, Kolade Balogun and Jeffery Johnson helped to coordinate with the AFL-CIO and our affiliates to set up donation boxes, collect non perishable food items and toys for families. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

We know this has been a challenging time for our neighbors and communities across the state. Uncertainty around access to basic resources, food, travel, and healthcare caused by decisions made at the federal level that left many wondering how they would put food on the table, visit loved ones this holiday season, or address health concerns.

Yet even with so much unfolding around us, the season welcomes moments of reflection and connection, reminding us of what matters most and the importance of making memories with the people we hold close.

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Maryland’s 911 Specialists should have the same access to the state retirement benefits available to other public safety personnel (first responders), such as police, firefighters, and EMS workers. Unfortunately, the Internal Revenue (IRS) Code that governs qualified government pension plans will not allow it. 

The Maryland 911 Specialist Recruitment and Retention Workgroup has appealed to Congressional leaders, the Congressional NextGen 911 Caucus and Maryland’s federal delegation, to request support to amend the code. 

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