By emergency proclamation of the Governor, the 2020 Presidential Primary Election has been postponed to June 2, 2020. This election will be primarily a “vote by mail” election. This means that ballots will automatically be mailed to all eligible voters. You should receive your ballot in early to mid May. You do not need to ask for a ballot to receive one. They will mail to the address they have on file. If you need to have it mailed to a different address, or if you want to check what address they have for you, visit https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2020/

• To reduce the risk of

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

Implementing the Kirwan Commission recommendations is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to make significant changes to the way Maryland students are educated. These changes will have particular effects on Baltimore City Public School students as well as students from Prince George’s county. Those two districts stand out because they are two of the only three school districts in Maryland where a majority of the student population is Black. In that vein, members from the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) and the Prince George’s County Education Association (PGCEA) united for a first of its kind

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

AFT-Maryland will be holding a Mayoral Candidate Forum for members of our locals. Join with fellow members of AFT-Maryland for a Mayoral Candidate Forum. Hear from the various candidates for Baltimore City Mayor as they share their visions for the future of the City. Be there to ensure the candidates know our members’ priorities. Help us decide who to support for the AFL-CIO Endorsement.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 12th
TIME: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Event runs from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hearing and Speech Agency,
5900 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215

This event is for members of AFT

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

UPDATE: February 20, 2020: The Baltimore City Council has passed the resolution and now the property tax credit only awaits Mayor Jack Young’s signature. The resolution had unanimous support in committee, and in the council. CUB offers a huge thank you to Councilman Ryan Dorsey who worked this legislation through the council, Delegate Stephanie Smith who carried the enabling legislation in Annapolis and former Delegate Bilal Ali who first introduced the tax credit legislation and worked with CUB, even when he no longer was a state delegate, to see the bill come to fruition.  2020-02-20

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