News | AFT-Maryland

Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Unions

On May 3, 2012, Joel Smith appeared before the Court of Appeals on behalf of a coalition of Anne Arundel County public safety unions.

Joel argued that a 2011 bill passed by the Anne Arundel County Council and signed by the County Executive was in clear violation of a 2002 Amendment to the Anne Arundel County Charter. The Amendment mandated binding interest arbitration to resolve disputes concerning terms and conditions of employment for certain public safety employees. In an opinion dated September 28, 2012, the Court agreed. The Court concluded that the 2002 Amendment and its implementing legislation were entirely lawful. The 2011 bill was unlawful. The opinion settles thirty-five years of case law on the issue.

This is an important win for public employees across the State of Maryland.

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Anti-Union film, "Won't Back Down": What You Need To Know

Information union supporters need to know about the new film "Won't Back Down", starring Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal as a parent-teacher duo who use a "parent trigger" law to take over a failing public school.

Candidates: Where I stand on education

When voters go to the polls on Nov. 6, they'll choose from among presidential candidates who have very different views on the major issues affecting America, including education. With the election rapidly approaching, eSchool News has pulled together a summary of what each of the two major party candidates - - President Barack Obama for the Democratic Party, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican Party - - have said about their plans for K-12 education.

Support for Chicago Teachers Union

The 18,000-member American Federation of Teachers-Maryland pledges its full support to the 30,000 teachers and staff of the Chicago Teachers Union who are on strike.

AFT-Maryland and its affiliates throughout the state stand with the Chicago Teachers Union and support its members in their efforts to secure a fair contract that will enable them to improve instruction, and ensure job security and fair compensation for educators.

We are proud to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in their fight to ensure that every child in Chicago’s public schools has access to a great education, and that educators and their work are valued.

Vote for AFT's "Everyday Hero"

Voting is a big topic this year, but here’s one vote you don’t have to wait until November to cast—vote now for your favorite AFT Everyday Hero for 2012!

One of our own (BCFPE, AFT-Maryland, AFL-CIO and a Baltimore County Government Employee/Volunteer) HAS MADE IT TO THE SEMI-FINALISTS ROUND!

VOTE FOR MICHAEL MORRIS – 2012 AFT PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DIVISION EVERYDAY HERO

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!!

Everyday Heroes: AFT Public Employees Semifinalists

http://www.aft.org/everydayheroes/pubemps2012.cfm

City notes second declining set of test scores

School administrators see declining test scores as "call to action." MORE

Baltimore Cheating Scandal: CEO Pledges transpaency

Baltimore schools CEO Alonzo pledges "transparent" scores in 2011. MORE

State to evaluate teachers on student progress

Governor appointed council recommends linking teacher evaluations to student performance. MORE

Union, school system reach PSRP contract agreement

Paraeducators and other professional staff represented by the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU), some 3,000 in all, will receive pay raises and additional vacation time under a new contract agreement made between the BTU and Baltimore City Public School System.

BTU announced that the Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel (PSRP) chapter of the BTU — which includes classroom assistants, teacher's aides, accountants, secretaries and administrative staff — will receive raises retroactive to July 1, 2010. In addition, PSRP members will receive additional vacation days. PSRP members who do

Maryland Politics: 2011 Legislative Session

A brief description of the status of pertinent bills addressed during the Maryland legislative session.