Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Although not a traditional calendar month, the state federation joins with the rest of the country to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans. This community is built from a broad diaspora made up of people primarily from Central and South America. Many nations claimed their independence between September 15th and October 15th. Among the nations that welcome the fresh air of independence during this month-long period are Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Hispanic Americans have played a vital role in shaping the United States into the country it is today. Often that role has been...

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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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For Teacher Appreciation Week, the state federation shines a light on one of our members who shapes the minds of future generations. Get to know a little more about one of Baltimore city’s most outstanding teachers, Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) member Mr. Chris Poknis.

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Three AFT Maryland bargaining units representing state workers in Maryland recently signed contracts with the Moore Administration. The unions, Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC) Local 6197, AFT Healthcare Maryland Local 5197, and the Maryland School for the Deaf Faculty and Staff Association Local 4828 each were represented by their respective presidents and were joined by AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell. The occasion was historic for the Maryland School for the Deaf Faculty and Staff Association as this is their first contract.

Read more about the agreements between AFT Maryland state employee locals and the Moore Administration​.

Unionization is on the rise at higher education campuses across Maryland. Following successful organizing drives at Howard and Frederick Community Colleges, AFT Maryland is working to successfully unionize full time faculty and information technology staff at Prince George’s Community College. A highlight of the organizing efforts was Union Authorization Card Day. This daylong event on Thursday January 18, 2024 (scheduled for two days, but inclement weather canceled the second day’s activities) featured workers at the college signing union authorization cards indicating their desire to form a union and collectively bargain. 

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This past week, leaders from the AFT-Maryland and UAMDCC were in Annapolis to protest proposed budget cuts to the state’s community colleges. Dozens of faculty members from AFT-AAUP affiliated unions sent letters, talked to their legislators, and testified in Annapolis for the “State Aid to Community College” budget hearing. 

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