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.

Join your fellow members for a Political Education Night with AFT Maryland! As we enter the 2025 Maryland Legislative Session, this workshop will go over some critical skills to get involved and move legislation in the interest of all of our public employees. 

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The celebration of Pride month every year in June reminds us of the need to make our workplaces safe and inclusive for everyone; this is particularly true for workers in state and local governments. Public workplaces must be hospitable and welcoming to each of us regardless of our sexual orientation or gender expression. AFT Maryland has been at the forefront of the labor movement in Maryland ensuring that our members feel supported and confident of their place in the AFT Maryland and the larger labor family.

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