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A hallmark of any union is member engagement. That can come in many ways. For the Baltimore Teachers Union, one way it comes is through the AFT/BTU Teacher Leaders Program. This program engages BTU members through ways to conduct research, learn more about unionism, and be better teachers for the students of Baltimore city.

At the end of every school year, the teachers who participate in the program share their research and conclusions. This year was no different, but one thing that did make this cohort group unique were the number of speakers and presenters who met with them throughout the

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Statement from AFT-Maryland President Marietta English
on the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz

AFT-Maryland is shocked beyond words to hear of the passing of Kevin Kamenetz. Beyond politics, this was a man dedicated to Baltimore County, who was lost too soon. From his days as a county councilman to his time as county executive, he put the county first despite how others may receive it. He was a true friend.

We mourn with his family, all of Baltimore County, and the state of Maryland at the loss of such a pivotal figure in Maryland politics.  

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Statement on May Day from AFT-Maryland President Marietta English

On this day, AFT-Maryland reflects on the many contributions organized labor has made in this nation and across the world. We remember the sacrifices made by so many women and men to ensure workers have fair wages and decent working conditions.

We also remember... 

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The AFT-Maryland held their Triennial Constitutional Convention the weekend of April 20th. The convention celebrated the theme Standing on the Shoulders of Labor Giants: Fighting for Our Future. It featured remarks by labor leaders in and around Baltimore, including Donna Edwards, President of the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO as well as Jermaine Jones, President of the Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO.

Leaders from years past were not only mentioned but celebrated. Delegates and guests heard from AFT National Secretary Treasurer Dr. Lorretta Johnson, who reminded the audience that the people

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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"52817","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","style":"width: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;"}}]]Hundreds of union members took to Lawyer’s Mall in front of the Maryland State Capitol to show the power and strength of labor. The Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO convened the sea of solidarity. The locals of AFT-Maryland were in attendance and their voices were heard and their presence felt. The federation was acknowledged and received shout outs from a number of elected officials.

Among the politicians who addressed the crowd were... Click to read 

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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"52813","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image media-image-left","style":"width: 200px; height: 200px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;"}}]]AFT-Maryland President Marietta English on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

On this solemn day, we remember a man who was not only a leader for racial but also economic equality; a man who in his last days walked with and campaigned for the dignity of public employees; a man of the cloth who committed himself to the labor movement.

As the president of a state federation that represents more than 20,000 public employees, the sacrifices of this great man are not lost on me or any of the members of our federation.  Though we'll always be sad that Dr. King did not get to live a long life, see his children grow up, and play with his grandchildren, we will forever be indebted to him for being the vocal conscious of this nation, calling on it to live up to every promise of equality.

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