News

The Baltimore Teachers Union participated in the Baltimore City Public School System’s New Teacher Institute, August 11-15, at Digital Harbor High School. From baltimorecityschools.org:

“The New Teacher Institute is an opportunity for teachers new to BCPSS to learn essential information and develop critical skills to begin teaching in the district.  Its purpose is to engage teachers in learning about district initiatives and expectations on curriculum, planning, and instruction to effectively meet the learning needs of all students and increase their achievement.”

BTU Field Reps were on hand to

BTU's 7th Annual Spring Break Cruise runs from April 5 - 12, 2015.

If you'd like to join the cruise, contact Ms. Peggy Gladden at the BTU: 410-358-6600.

---

BALTIMORE TEACHER'S UNION
7th ANNUAL SPRING BREAK CRUISE
April 5 – April 12, 2015

Like its sister ship, the Oasis of the Seas, the Allure of the Seas was named by a contest winner, and its moniker does not disappoint. The ship accommodates more than 5,000 guests and boasts 18 decks of fun. Guests will be treated to seven themed areas onboard, including the “Boardwalk,” which features restaurants, shops and carnival games, and “Central Park,” a

The Baltimore Teachers Union congratulates Baltimore City students Evan Davis and Darrius Jackson on winning medals during the National ACT-SO Awards program at the 105th NAACP Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV, on Sunday, July 20, 2014.

Evan Davis, a student at ConneXions Community Leadership Academy, #325, BCPSS, won the gold medal in the “Dramatics” category. Darrius Jackson won the bronze medal in the “Music Vocal/Classical” category, and studies at Baltimore School for the Arts, #415, BCPSS. Altogether, Maryland students won three Gold medals, two Silver medals, and two Bronze medals

Stay connected! See photos, stories, take action, and more from our Facebook page. 
https://www.facebook.com/aftmaryland

CUB members stood with postal workers on Sunday, June 22nd at a "Stop Staples!" rally. Community members gathered in front of the Staples store at Eastpoint Mall on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore Sunday afternoon to tell the retail store to stop attacking good jobs and public post offices.

The City Union of Baltimore joins in telling Staples: THE U.S. MAIL IS NOT FOR SALE!

The recent Staples deal with the USPS will replace full-service U.S. Post Offices with knock-off post offices in Staples stores that are not staffed with U.S. Postal Service employees. We have a right to post offices staffed by

Results are in for Maryland's Primary elections. Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Larry Hogan won the Democratic and Republican nominations for Governor, respectively. Brian Frosh won the Democratic nomination for Attorney General after a contentious race.

Democrats outnumbered Republicans by more than 2:1 in the polls. Voter turnout was low, though early voting increased over the last election.

Below are news links to to several stories of interest in this election.

---

Results: Primary elections, Maryland
The Washington Post, 6/25/14

Brown, Hogan win gubernatorial nominations
Washington Post, 6/25/14

Brian

Representatives from AFT-Maryland’s affiliate agencies, including union presidents, key staff members, and members of the AFT-Maryland Legislative and Political Action Committees attended training on Committees on Political Education (C.O.P.E.) and the federation’s political and legislative activities on June 19. Chris Runge, AFT Deputy Director, provided an overview of AFT’s political perspective and national priorities and presented information on the importance of building political power by encouraging members to participate in union C.O.P.E. activities.

Todd Reynolds, AFT-Maryland

A recent article by Dave Johnson on Salon.com explains why corporate CEOs make as much 300 times more than their employees. According to the article, the following factors result in exorbitant CEO pay and low wages for the average worker:

1. Free Trade—“Free trade” deals, the article says, allow companies to take good wages and worker safety and environmental protections overseas. Companies move production to places where people don’t have rights and the environment is even less protected, and then bring the same product or service back to America to sell for high prices.
2. Stock Ownership—CEOs are