Contact:
Ray Baker, Communications Director, AFT-Maryland
rbaker@aftmd.org | (410) 585-7862
Union Night in Annapolis:
Hundreds of Union Members Gather on Lawyers Mall to Push for Labor Legislation
Annapolis, MD: Union members from across the state, rallied outside of the Maryland state capitol in support of pro-labor legislation. Labor bills before the Maryland General Assembly would enable collective bargaining, stop wage theft, promote workplace safety, and provide job security. Labor leaders and elected officials addressed the crowd, committing to fighting until the final day of the legislative session for bills that would help Maryland working families.
“Tonight demonstrated the strength and diversity of Maryland’s labor movement. Unions from every part of our state and every sector of work united in support for passing bills protecting workers and growing the middle class," said Donna S. Edwards, President of the Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO. “Labor stands strong and united,” Edwards said.
“This year’s rally holds even more significance as the labor movement lost a giant late last year with the passing of Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO President Emeritus Ernie Grecco. I am pleased that we were able to continue this annual tradition that he started many years ago, and welcome the support of our state federation,” said Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO President Courtney Jenkins. "Working families of Baltimore deserve a union that fights for them in the workplace, and a labor council that fights for them in the halls of power. We are committed to doing that and thank all of our allies in the Maryland General Assembly for standing with the working people who make Maryland work," Jenkins continued.
Maryland denies the right to collectively bargain to thousands of public employees. Labor is committed to seeing bills pass this session to enable these workers this right that millions of American workers have. Maryland continues to be plagued by workplace fraud and wage theft, particularly in construction and healthcare. The state must use every tool that it has to fight these crimes. Maryland has a revenue problem that cannot be solved on the backs of workers. Maryland should not risk thousands of jobs on the bad bet of I-Gaming.
The solidarity of Maryland’s labor movement was on full display. Union leaders and members vowed to continue to show up in Annapolis and meet with legislators and the Administration until these bills become law.
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2023-03-11