Women are a mighty force in the American labor movement. It is my honor to kick off Women’s History Month with this message celebrating the amazing women who have helped shape the labor movement across the nation and here in Maryland. Our state federation is teeming with powerful women activists. There are currently nine women members of AFT-Maryland’s Executive Board, as well as four of our locals have women presidents. AFT-Maryland has been blessed with exceptional leadership from my predecessors Lorretta Johnson and Marietta English and we are grateful for the woman leading our national organization, Randi Weingarten. The power of women in the labor movement does not stop there. The Maryland-Washington D.C. AFL-CIO is led by President Donna Edwards.
Maryland’s rich history of women in prominent leadership positions is not limited to the labor movement. We are at a watershed moment for women political leaders across the state. The Secretary of Labor, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, the Comptroller, and the Lieutenant Governor are all women. It is important that we remind ourselves of the progress our state has made. We do not do this to feel complacent but rather to remind ourselves of what happens when we make a commitment to providing an opportunity for every person to serve in the ways their talents best suit them to.
Women have historically been integral to the labor movement even when we weren’t formally considered integral members of the workforce. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was a galvanizing tragedy that claimed the life of more than one hundred women workers in New York City. Despite periods of neglect and discrimination women have continued to be trailblazers for worker justice. Some more famous than others, each leaving an indelible mark on the United States and the labor movement because of their contributions.
This Women’s History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate all the contributions women have made to American society. In addition to reflecting and celebrating, this is a time to commit to leaving no stone unturned to secure equal opportunities so the girls of today can grow up to become game changing women of tomorrow.
We salute our AFT Maryland members
during Women’s History Month!