We welcome March with a warm embrace in part because it is National Women’s History Month. AFT-Maryland is fortunate that we don’t have to look too far to find inspirational and encouraging models of leadership. We are fortunate that one of the greatest titans in the history of the American labor movement, Dr. Lorretta Johnson, is one of our own. Her tenacity has delivered meaningful results for working people across Maryland for generations. She has not been selfish with her wisdom or skill as she worked side by side with Marietta English to deliver real results for public employees. Mrs. English dedicated decades of her life to Baltimore city’s children, and to labor causes in Baltimore and throughout the state. We are grateful to use their examples as a north star to guide our path and it is my personal honor to have learned from these women and continue their legacy of leadership.  Our state federation is grateful that we don’t merely have to rely on the past to find examples of outstanding leadership. Many of our locals are led by powerful women who fight for members and stand in solidarity with other labor siblings. MORE

On Tuesday, September 9th, dozens of faculty at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) – who unionized with United Academics of Maryland (UAMD), an affiliate of AFT Maryland, nearly one year ago – joined students, union leaders, electeds, and community groups at a rally to demand the fair contract faculty deserve after months of bargaining.

While BCCC’s president rakes in over half a million dollars a year, BCCC faculty are regularly experiencing delayed or inaccurate payroll as they face chronic understaffing on campus. ...

READ ON FOR MORE...

MORE

FREDERICK, MD – In a major victory for higher education workers, faculty at Frederick Community College won a tentative agreement on their first union contract. United Academics of Maryland Community Colleges faculty at Frederick are the first community college in Maryland to do so under the state’s new collective bargaining law for faculty, passed in 2022. The agreement would be the first contract for full-time faculty at the state’s community colleges.

Read on for the full press release:

MORE

AFT Maryland members and staff were thrilled to participate once again this year with Metro Baltimore Council AFL-CIO in support of AFL-CIO Community Services' Holiday Food and Toy drive, helping to make the holidays brighter for those in need. New toys, non-perishable foods, and donations were collected throughout the season, and dozens of volunteers came together to sort, package, and distribute food baskets and toys.

READ ON FOR PHOTOS AND MORE...

MORE

Baltimore City receives a new collection of teachers every year who are eager to make an impact on the young scholars in their classrooms. Before those excited teachers take their place in the classroom, it is vital they are prepared for the unique challenges and opportunities that being a Baltimore City educator provides. To reach that goal, the district provides an opportunity for new teachers to network with fellow new teachers and learn from those who have experience in the field. The New Teacher Summer Institute (NTSI) is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to be prepared to hit the ground running ahead of the new school year. This year’s event was held at Digital Harbor High School and AFT Maryland was once again in attendance.

Read on for photos and more.

MORE

BALTIMORE CITY IS NOT FOR SALE:
CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO OPPOSE DEVASTATING BALLOT MEASURES  
Coalition effort to preserve essential services, schools, representative democracy; New research details destructive financial fallout of ill-considered property tax proposal

Baltimore City elected officials, public sector workers, and residents today announced the launch of Baltimore City Not for Sale, a grassroots campaign coalition to stop ruinous ballot questions that may appear on the November 2024 ballot. Big money interests from inside and outside Baltimore City are using the ballot question process to attempt to reshape the city to benefit big businesses, developers, and the wealthiest residents.

READ THE FULL RELEASE HERE.

MORE