FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Feldman Strategies, team@feldmanstrategies.com
March 2, 2025
Chesapeake College Faculty Vote 100% to Ratify First-Ever Union Contract
After 20 months of negotiations, faculty approved a union contract that includes a groundbreaking service pathway to promotion, wage increases, and critical protections for academic freedom and shared governance
QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY, MD – Today, Chesapeake College faculty, represented by United Academics of Maryland, Local 6628 (UAMD) – an affiliate of AFT Maryland – announced that they have voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first-ever union contract, which includes wage increases, a groundbreaking service pathway to promotion, and major improvements to working conditions, benefits, and protections. This victory marks the fifth UAMD-represented institution to ratify a contract since the State Legislature expanded collective bargaining rights to community college faculty in 2021.
The contract addresses longstanding gaps in faculty recognition and advancement by establishing a groundbreaking service-oriented pathway to promotion, allowing faculty to advance their careers while being recognized for the diverse contributions they make to the college community. The contract also establishes enforceable protections for academic freedom and shared governance rights, ensuring that faculty maintain their seat at the table with Chesapeake College administration on decisions that shape their working conditions and the educational mission of the college itself.
"For 20 months, we held the line because we knew what this contract would mean for our students and our college," said Chesapeake College Chapter Chair Prof. David Timms. "Our students deserve the best, and this contract gives us what we need to deliver that, strengthening both our work and the foundation of this college. This win is not just ours, it's a step forward for the entire Chesapeake community and for the future of higher education in Maryland."
Working conditions and benefits for faculty were key issues at the bargaining table, and the new contract stabilizes healthcare costs and establishes a community sick leave bank, providing critical support and financial security for educators. Additionally, the contract delivers 3.5% retroactive salary increases for this fiscal year and 3.5% raises for the next fiscal year, along with a $750 ratification bonus, delivering the fair compensation faculty fought for throughout negotiations. Overall, faculty will receive raises of more than 8% over the next two years – a significant achievement in a higher education landscape marked by cuts, layoffs, and uncertainty.
“With this contract, faculty at Chesapeake College have set a strong precedent for academic labor rights raising the bar for others to follow nationwide,” AAUP President Todd Wolfson said. “By standing together, United Academics of Maryland and their co-workers at Maryland community colleges are leading the way in establishing strong academic freedom protections in a moment when faculty rights are under unprecedented attack.”
“Throughout a tough negotiation, faculty at Chesapeake Community College remained committed to winning a contract that ensures the freedom to teach and to learn, guarantees pathways to promotions and secures wage increases that are necessary to live,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “This triumph is an inspiration to colleagues, in Maryland and around the country—a realization that together we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.”
"It's long overdue for Chesapeake faculty to receive this contract. They've given years of service to their students and institution, and now they finally have the fair wages, benefits, and protections that reflect their dedication. This win delivers for them and the entire Chesapeake community," said AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell. “Every victory builds power for educators across the state. Maryland's community college faculty are showing what's possible when we stand together and fight for what we deserve."
After 20 months at the negotiating table, Chesapeake College faculty have ratified their first-ever contract to deliver the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve.
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United Academics of Maryland is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), which joined forces in 2022 to strengthen the voice of academic workers nationwide. AFT is the largest higher education union in the country, representing over 400,000 faculty and staff nationwide. Over 70% of all unionized faculty are AFT members.
In Maryland, AFT Maryland represents faculty and staff on more than seven community college campuses and remains a leading advocate in Annapolis for higher education rights and protections.