News

AFT Maryland members and staff were thrilled to participate once again this year with Metro Baltimore Council AFL-CIO in support of AFL-CIO Community Services' Holiday Food and Toy drive, helping to make the holidays brighter for those in need. New toys, non-perishable foods, and donations were collected throughout the season, and dozens of volunteers came together to sort, package, and distribute food baskets and toys.

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The holidays are a time to be cheerful, loving, appreciative, and giving. The Thanksgiving holiday was a perfect kickoff to a season of gratitude and reflection. A number of religious and spiritual holidays occur at the end of the calendar year and collectively they encourage us to be resolute in our commitments to one another. They invite us to center kindness, community, and appreciation as we reflect on the previous year. Thankfully these are tenets of the labor movement which we practice daily. We have consistently demonstrated our solidarity with other labor unions, community initiatives, and most importantly within our own state federation. Our collaborations have produced victories at the bargaining table and in communities across Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland.

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Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays throughout the United States, and for good reason. It comes toward the latter portion of the year when it feels appropriate to wind down and enjoy the bounty of the harvest. We can at once be aware of the deeply uncomfortable and quite honestly troubling origins of the holiday, while being deeply grateful for the blessings we currently enjoy. Despite the various challenges we have faced, each of us has something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

The state federation is thankful for our new headquarters. This facility has already been a welcome home to members and truly a house of labor. We are thankful to ... 

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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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