News

AFT-Maryland will be holding a Voter Registration Volunteer Training on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Baltimore Teachers Union offices at 5800 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215. Learn how to register voters for the 2016 Primary and General Elections. The training is open to union members and to community activists.

Voter Registration Volunteer Training
Tues., May 26, 2015
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
BTU Headquarters
5800 Metro Dr., Baltimore, MD 21215

If interested in attending, RSVP to Todd Reynolds, Political Coordinator at AFT-Maryland, by Friday, May 22nd, by 2:00 p.m.  at (410) 764-3030

Cast against a backdrop of a city in unrest, AFT-Maryland held their triennial convention in Pikesville, MD on May 1-2, 2015. Delegates from our local unions across the state came out and joined in what was a modest celebration of all the Union had accomplished over the past three years. The celebration was subdued due to the recent civil unrest and ensuing property damage that was taking place in the heart of West Baltimore.

The convention undoubtedly had some fiery moments however, starting with the impassioned speeches delivered by AFT National Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Lorretta Johnson and

After a hard-fought campaign, Governor Larry Hogan has announced he will release the $68 million set aside to maintain the 2 percent salary increase—one that was negotiated and finalized last year by public employee unions and the state—for state employees. This was initially a point of contention between the Governor and state workers but his recent announcement has improved the relationship tremendously.

Several local labor leaders weighed in on Gov. Hogan's decision:

"Our members are pleased that Governor Hogan decided to do the right thing and honor the agreement that was negotiated between

AFT Healthcare-MD Local #5197 has filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint with the Maryland Public Employee Labor Relations Board over the State's implementation of the Registered Nurse signing bonus and retention bonus that was negotiated between the Union and the State in the 2014-2015 MOU (collective bargaining agreement).

The Union contends the bonuses should have been paid to the Registered Nurses in 24/7 facilities beginning January 1, 2015 not January 1, 2016 as the State is claiming.

AFT-Maryland joins the Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO for their annual Night in Annapolis: Monday, March 23, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for labor and elected officials to exchange ideas. We need you, your co-union members, family, and friends to make this a success. Be sure to wear your union jackets, shirts, and hats.

Monday, March 23, 2015
Lawyer's Mall
College Avenue at Rowe Boulevard

AFT-Maryland will provide buses for state & city employees, teachers, families, and community members to attend this rally. Buses will leave Baltimore from the AFT

The VSP offered today by Department of Budget and Management benefits neither the employee nor the State. (Sun: "State workers offered $15k in voluntary separation program")  It is instead a reward for political appointees who will be leaving State government.

The Unions, MPEC and AFT Healthcare-MD, offered a true early retirement proposal during negotiations conducted over the last three weeks and rather than continue to explore the possibilities of the proposal, DBM through its Executive Director imposed a voluntary separation proposal that treats an employee with two years service nearly the

Debra Perry, President of AFT Healthcare-Maryland and Executive Director Michael McNally met February 4th with Governor Hogan’s representative Cindy Kollner, Executive Director of Department of Budget and Management to begin negotiations over proposals that would help the Governor balance the budget and still honor the agreements in the existing MOU executed between the Union and the O’Malley administration before they left office.

President Perry made it clear that AFT Healthcare-Maryland members are expecting Governor Hogan to do the honorable thing and fully fund and implement the economic