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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"17871","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image media-image-right","style":"width: 33%; float: right; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;"}}]]AFT-Maryland Remains United and Committed to Organizing as Supreme Court Sides with Wealthy, Corporate Interests in Anti-Union Case

Decision Won’t Stop Union Growth as Workers Organize to Give Voice to Shared Values

Baltimore, MD—The Supreme Court’s decision, in the case Janus v. AFSCME invalidates state laws allowing labor unions to collect fees from everyone in a bargaining unit, including non-members, to pay the costs of bargaining and other representation the union is required to provide.

Marietta English, president of AFT-Maryland which represents over 20,000 public sector workers across the state of Maryland including teachers, nurses, correctional officers, 911 call operators, and other municipal and state professionals, predicted that the decision ultimately will lead to greater member engagement and activism.

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Statement from AFT-Maryland President Marietta English
on the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz

AFT-Maryland is shocked beyond words to hear of the passing of Kevin Kamenetz. Beyond politics, this was a man dedicated to Baltimore County, who was lost too soon. From his days as a county councilman to his time as county executive, he put the county first despite how others may receive it. He was a true friend.

We mourn with his family, all of Baltimore County, and the state of Maryland at the loss of such a pivotal figure in Maryland politics.  

Statement on May Day from AFT-Maryland President Marietta English

On this day, AFT-Maryland reflects on the many contributions organized labor has made in this nation and across the world. We remember the sacrifices made by so many women and men to ensure workers have fair wages and decent working conditions.

We also remember... 

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"52813","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image media-image-left","style":"width: 200px; height: 200px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;"}}]]AFT-Maryland President Marietta English on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

On this solemn day, we remember a man who was not only a leader for racial but also economic equality; a man who in his last days walked with and campaigned for the dignity of public employees; a man of the cloth who committed himself to the labor movement.

As the president of a state federation that represents more than 20,000 public employees, the sacrifices of this great man are not lost on me or any of the members of our federation.  Though we'll always be sad that Dr. King did not get to live a long life, see his children grow up, and play with his grandchildren, we will forever be indebted to him for being the vocal conscious of this nation, calling on it to live up to every promise of equality.

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Statement from AFT-Maryland President Marietta English on the Great Mills High School Shooting

“It is heartbreaking to once again hear of a school shooting, this time here in Maryland at Great Mills High School in St. Mary's County. The entire federation’s main concern is for the safety and welfare of the students and staff of Great Mills. ...

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For Immediate Release
​March 12, 2018
Contact: Ray Baker
(410) 764-3030

AFT-Maryland Statement on Bill Changing Head of Baltimore City Schools Title from CEO to Superintendent

AFT-Maryland is disappointed that legislators would think this bill is an attempt to take power away from Dr. Santelises. We're even more disappointed that legislators would say that we "ought to be ashamed", particularly as an organization headed by black women. Our work seeks to uplift marginalized voices in the public sector, many of those being black women.

We reject the premise that public education should be modeled after business. That's a Betsy DeVos way of viewing education. Prior to Delegate Haynes withdrawing the bill, we would have been happy to discuss any concerns legislators may have had on this bill, especially legislators with whom we have a relationship.

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The Baltimore Teachers Union is very concerned about our PSRP members who received lay-off notices today. We are doing all we can to ensure those affected will ultimately be rehired.

STATEMENT FROM BTU PRESIDENT MARIETTA ENGLISH

Baltimore, MD-- Tonight our hearts are heavy and we echo the calls of the Gray family, clergy and Mayor Rawlings-Blake for peace as the city of Baltimore starts the healing process.

We are grateful that ...

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"After a long and sometimes hotly debated legislative session, the state is better for the admirable bi-partisan work done by the legislators. I want to start by thanking the state legislature for its efforts in finding the funds to educate our children across the state and also for keeping state worker pay as it is.