The workplace death of Baltimore city Department of Public Works employee Ronald Silver II struck a solemn nerve for the City Union of Baltimore (CUB), recalling the tragic loss of CUB member Trina Cunningham in a workplace death five years ago. In the wake of Mr. Silver’s passing, AFT Maryland, CUB, AFSCME, and elected officials from the Baltimore City Council held a press conference addressing the issue and outlining what needs to be done to assure there are no city workplace deaths.

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The AFT Maryland has announced their list of endorsed candidates for Baltimore City office, encouraging members to support in the 2024 Primary Election. The endorsements include the union-preferred candidates for mayor, city council president, and most of the 14 city council seats that will be considered for the May 14th Primary.

Read on for a quote from AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell, and the list of endorsed candidates.

As the Summer comes to an end, the weather begins to cool and the leaves begin to change, we get to celebrate our holiday – Labor Day.

Throughout the long history of this holiday and labor movement, we have seen workers flooding the streets advocating for improved rights and freedoms for working people and making their voices heard. The labor movement has seen countless victories accomplishing just that for workers across this country – fighting to ensure that as the times change, workers are not left behind.

Yet, as we know, the fight for fairness is a long one, and it is one that continues to be increasingly difficult at a time when workers are...

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University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) residents and fellows, represented by the University of Maryland Resident and Fellow Alliance (UMRFA) – an affiliate of AFT Maryland – have voted to ratify their first-ever union contract, which includes double-digit salary increases and major improvements to working conditions, benefits, and quality of life.

The contract addresses major wage discrepancies as compared to peer hospitals in the state by granting a 20% salary increase over the next 3 years, a drastic improvement compared to the average annual raise of only 2% over the last 10 years. The contract also establishes a Labor-Management Committee to maintain their seat at the table with UMMC, ensuring that residents and fellows can continue to address specific or systemic concerns of house staff.

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MARYLAND — This past week, The Department of Education sent a “Dear Colleague” letter threatening federal funding for educational institutions that include race in decision making on student life – a far-reaching attempt to undermine our educational institutions.

The letter is directed towards all preschool, K-12, postsecondary educational institutions, and state educational agencies that receive federal financial assistance and will assess compliance by February 28, defying federal law that protects schools and colleges from presidents directing curriculum. 

Click through for the full press release.