News

Now more than ever all Americans should be grateful for the service of those who sacrifice so much for their fellow citizens. This year, it is my hope that our deep respect and reverence for service members from all walks of life will give this Veterans Day a greater meaning than in years past. 

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To all of our members and our communities,

I would like to start by saying, Thank You. Thank you to all of the members, family and friends, and community partners who have been with us these past days, weeks, and months, in all of the ways you showed up to help. Since August, we have had a constant crew of retirees and others making phone calls to union members in Maryland and in battleground states. We have seen our members engaging with the AFT’s program to write personal letters to union members. And we have had volunteers showing up every Saturday to go out into the community and knock on doors to engage members and turn out voters. 

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JOIN US for Trunk-or-Treating in Baltimore! 

Saturday October 26, 2024 from 1-4pm, at 1000 N Stricker St (between Riggs & Mosher). 

We'll have books and treats for the kids, and voter information for the grown-ups!

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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 first week of school is important for education professionals and students to get the year off to a great start. AFT Maryland spent the week visiting members in schools to support the start of a fantastic 2024-25 school year.

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Labor Day marks the end of the summer while honoring and acknowledging working people. This holiday is famous for cookouts and parades, but the holiday holds special significance to us in the labor movement. It is a day off that has been earned and fought for by the countless labor advocates who have struggled along the way. It is a holiday that working people should hold in the deepest regard because it is a reflection of all of us.

Labor Day is a day of reflection, but reflection alone feels insufficient. In times such as these when it feels like there are constant attacks on workers and working people, the only solution we have is solidarity and active engagement...

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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.

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We are only days away from the return of students to classrooms. It is an exciting time for every education professional and public employee who works with Baltimore City Public School System students and families. The combination of nerves and excitement leading up to the first day of school is an unmatched feeling that only those of us who have experienced it can relate to. Rarely do anxiety and optimism take up space so closely together, but the run-up to the first day of school creates an uncanny mix of emotions quelled only by the certainty that opening day will come and all of our practice and preparation will meet the returning energy of our young people.

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AFT Maryland delegates and leaders took to Houston, Texas to join with thousands of other AFT members for the national union’s biennial convention. AFT Maryland was prominently featured in signage as well as on the convention floor. The state federation turned heads throughout the nation with our organizing of public employees from the Maryland School for the Deaf, various community college faculty, and residents and fellows at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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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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