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

While there is great uncertainty about so much during this time, your union is committed to bring you as much information as possible so working families can make the decisions they need to survive these times. The Stimulus package is large and robust and will affect AFT-Maryland members in a number of ways.

One area of confusion for some are the Stimulus checks many Americans will receive. Below, AFT-Maryland is providing a quick fact sheet to cover most of the basic information and FAQs around the checks.

STIMULUS CHECKS

• If you earn less than $75,000 – you will get $1,200.
• If you and your spouse

Those who are are parents of young children probably know by now that the only childcare centers that are open in the state are those which have been approved to care for the children of those deemed essential personnel.

If you are an essential employee who must work, you may be eligible for state subsidized childcare during this crisis. Click here to access a copy of the application parents need to complete in order for the daycare provider to consider them essential personnel.

The Maryland Department of Education has an updated list of childcare centers. Click here to visit earlychildhood

Due to concerns regarding the outbreak and spread of the coronavirus which causes COVID-19, Maryland has made the District 7 special election a vote-by-mail-only election. This is to fill the seat vacated by the unfortunate passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings in the fall of 2019.

The State Board of Elections plans to mail every eligible voter in district 7 their mail-in ballot by late March. If you have not yet received your ballot, or want to check to make sure your information is correct and up-to-date with the board of elections, please reach out to your county or city local board of elections

The efforts to #flattenthecurve of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, meant that the General Assembly suspended the Maryland legislative session in mid-March and this has increased the speed at which the legislature has worked to pass their most important bills. The Blueprint bill, commonly referred to as Kirwan, passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now waits on Governor Hogan’s desk for his signature. This landmark bill overhauls Maryland’s education system first by demanding greater state and local spending on education. BTU executive board member Corey

The union’s legislative arm is strongest when members are the advocates lobbying for themselves. Legislators listen with a closer ear and a more compassionate heart when public employees share their experiences from their worksites. Members of AFT Healthcare-Maryland did just that when they took to Annapolis to lobby their legislators on important legislation that would positively affect the pay of a number of state health care professionals.

One piece of legislation is for Pay Rates and Staffing Requirements (HB1474/SB693). The union is grateful that state Sen. Guy Guzzone, who is the