News

Leadership and representatives from the unions that make up the AFT-Maryland engaged with state elected officials at their annual Legislative Reception. Members and leaders met with delegates and state senators to discuss issues and bills of importance to their members. Speaker of the House Michael Busch made an appearance at the event and chatted with AFT-Maryland President Marietta English. Leadership from MPEC, BCFPE, CUB, and AFT Healthcare Maryland were all in attendance to discuss important issues with legislators.

Members were also in attendance and they had the opportunity to meet with

AFT Healthcare-Maryland convened a member meeting on Saturday, December 2, 2017 in Woodlawn, MD. President Debra Perry gave a state of the union address updating members on a number of topics including growth in membership and updates on contract negotiations. Beyond pertinent union information, there were also a number of key presentations that informed members on a myriad of topics.

Sara Markle-Elder from the American Federation of Teachers was on hand to give a presentation about the dangers of fentanyl exposure. This issue is relevant nationwide but particularly useful to Marylanders

Gerri Bohanan, AFT-Maryland Higher Education Area Vice President, was honored at the 45th Annual National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) Conference with the Living Legend Award.

Bohanan’s work in Baltimore city and particularly at Coppin State University has garnered her a number of accolades over the years. She’s been an active and committed member of the Baltimore Teachers Union in addition to her participation in NABSE and her work on the executive board of the AFT-Maryland.

The entire federation takes great pride in congratulating Ms. Bohanan on her award and thanks her for her

The Baltimore Teachers Union participated in the Mayor’s annual holiday parade. President Marietta English was driven in a car by her husband Mr. Raymond English with BTU members and staff walking along the parade route. The annual event down 34th street in Hampden is a tradition that brings the entire city together and heightens anticipation for the winter holiday season.

BTU was excited to participate in the event and was grateful to members and citizens alike who came out and waved, cheered, and enjoyed the festivities of the holiday celebration.

For more photos, visit the Baltimore Teachers

The Chair of the Kirwan Commission announced that he does not expect final recommendations from the Commission until after the 2018 session. However, there are still at least 3 commission meetings before the session begins, and the commission will issue at least a preliminary report to the 2018 state legislature. We are still hoping to push for our priorities on equitable and effective funding *this coming session*.

Additionally, the commission is considering some state-wide policy recommendations, from more CTE offerings, to expanding pre-k to 3 and 4 year olds in poverty, and a whole host of

If the GOP’s tax plan passes, not only will it be bad for Maryland (taxes on a large portion of people in our state will go up to offset/pay for tax breaks for corporations), it will be bad for education professionals specifically because it removes the tax deductions we get for purchasing supplies for our schools.

All but one Maryland representative in the US Congress oppose the GOP Tax Plan. Please call, and encourage members at your schools to call, Congressman Andy Harris at 202-225-5311. (Harris represents Northern Maryland, so if you live in Northern Baltimore County or Harford/Cecil

The follow up meeting with Baltimore Teachers Union and City Union of Baltimore retirees and Baltimore City Councilwomen Mary Pat Clarke and Shannon Sneed was an important launching point for the strategy these retirees will use to stay informed. The issue at hand is the status of prescription drug benefits for Baltimore city retirees in 2020.

Retirees from CUB and BTU testified during a recent hearing of what the changes to the existing health care plan would mean to them. Councilwoman Clarke sponsored the resolution that was considered at the hearing in October. The resolution simply called