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Union support is important for every worker on any job. During this global pandemic, that support becomes even more important. Locals from across the state federation, with support and guidance from AFT-Maryland, are working hard to meet the needs of members. While unions are still responding to grievances, organizing new members, negotiating contracts, conducting labor-management meetings, and everything else that our organizations typically do, we have also tried to fill the gaps on what members need to know during this unique and uncertain time. 

AFT-Maryland has information on our website

AFT-Maryland was out with sisters and brothers in labor at the Metro-Baltimore AFL-CIO Union night in Annapolis. The night was highlighted by the words of the Maryland and DC AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Jackson’s words that it doesn’t matter if you’re a D or R as long as you support labor issues. Most of the speakers that evening didn’t speak on partisan policies but rather on ensuring that working women and men of Maryland and their families would not be harmed by any legislation before the General Assembly.

Among the state federation there was a strong contingent from our local

AFT-Maryland stood in solidarity with our brother from SEIU32BJ as he faces discipline for testifying in Annapolis for higher wages. Berhanu Yiferu testified in Annapolis for a bill that would raise the wages of transportation employees. The next day he found out his services were no longer needed at his job. His employer, airline subcontractor Prospect, claims he was let go because he missed assisting a passenger but Yiferu, colleagues, and his union maintain this was retribution for his testimony in Annapolis.

AFT-Maryland joined with other labor activists, religious leaders, and Baltimore

Maryland School for the Deaf Faculty and Staff Association (MSDFSA) VP Jackie Guers made sure the word was spread throughout her campus that Wednesday, February 26, 2020 was Union Day. Faculty and staff at the Columbia campus turned out in great numbers to meet AFT-Maryland staff. Frank Pratka, an organizer who has been working with the local for a number of years, spoke with and engaged a number of members he has worked with before, and Aaron Ray worked intently to get contact information and sign up new members during the event.

Once most of the staff finished their responsibilities for the

The 2019 novel coronavirus and its outbreak has people all over the world on high alert. Fortunately AFT-Maryland is the union for some of the best health care practitioners in the state. We reached out to Crystal Wright, a public health nurse and member of the Baltimore County Federation of Public Health Nurses, Local 5102 to find out what Marylanders in the Baltimore- metro area specifically need to know about the virus and to stay safe.

Q: Are there any cases of reported 2019 novel coronavirus in Maryland? 
According to the CDC, two suspected cases of coronavirus in Maryland were negative. 

Elected leaders are often the ones who referee public employees and their issues with management, so with the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session underway for 2020, AFT-Maryland puts labor leaders and activists in front of decision makers who have a say in issues affecting state employees, municipal employees, and education employees. To further that goal, the state federation hosted our annual 2020 Legislative Reception. The event was well attended by members and legislators.

Over light fare, AFT-Maryland members and leaders discussed the vital issues facing legislators that affect

Members from the affiliated locals of AFT-Maryland made their way to Annapolis to lobby elected officials on public employee issues that are coming up in the 2020 Maryland legislative session. Lobby night is an annual event that allows the state federation to put members before legislators to make their voices heard. For state employees this is an opportunity to talk with those who make legislation that directly impacts their work life.

The night is a combination of planned meetings and drop-ins. Members are divided into groups and some groups speak to state Senators while others talk with

Education advocates are gearing up for an intense battle during the legislative session over the state fully funding the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations. That fight kicked off in earnest for the legislative session in Baltimore. The Baltimore Teachers Union and AFT-Maryland were on hand to fight for Maryland’s public school children. BTU member Nathan Ferrell spoke at the press conference. He commented “this can and will be a sea change for our state, for our city, and for all of the students in Maryland public schools." He was among a group of policy advocates, educators, and students who

Members from many of the locals of AFT-Maryland were in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the 2020 Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO 29th Annual Leadership Conference. The conference featured a number of important breakout sessions that members and leaders alike learned from. President Jermaine Jones addressed the body with his annual State of theUnion/Council Address. Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Jackson also delivered remarks.

The sessions included a Common Sense Economic session that explored the way daily economic challenges affect the lives of union members. There were