Negotiations are used to resolve many issues that arise during the year; however, it is not the only vehicle we have to address issues that occur between negotiations. One of the most powerful tools that the Union and Management have to solve problems is the Labor Management Committee (LMC) which, by contract, can be established at each department, facility, and agency.
On June 30, 2020, MPEC held a caravan and rally outside of the Louis L. Goldstein Treasury Building to call on Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp to reject the nearly $700 million in budget cuts proposed by Governor Larry Hogan’s administration. The caravan included state employees who will be directly affected by Gov. Hogan’s draconian cuts in addition to Maryland residents who don’t want these critical cuts to affect public service. The rally featured remarks from state employees that deliver essential services to Marylanders as well as MPEC President Jerry Smith.
Without federal assistance there will be layoffs and massive cuts in critical services! The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions - HEROES Act, H.R. 6800 would bring aid to Maryland that would support our state agencies and save state jobs.
Key Funding Components of the HEROES Act
$500 billion for state aid and $350 billion for local aid
Join us in Annapolis as we meet with elected officials to keep our issues on the front line and hold them accountable. Your involvement in legislative and political action is an opportunity to take ownership in the strengthening of our union.
We graciously entered state service knowing private industry pays more, but the long-term outlook of promised retirement benefits gave us peace of mind. We have endured under-staffing and slow wage increases, yet remained committed to servicing the State of Maryland. Now our benefits have been reduced and our retirement security has been threatened with the new Prescription Drug Plan.
Going to work should not impair our health; there is a pattern of acute health conditions linked to the time employees spend in state buildings. The state is obligated to provide safe and healthy workspaces. Resolving shameful conditions in state buildings should be a priority. The state says our working conditions are safe; however, this is not our reality. We must make our reality known to the community and governing officials to gain the support and momentum needed to change current sick building conditions.
Click below to sign our petition to governing officials.
The MPEC bargaining team will begin negotiations September 25, 2019. Each year our contract priorities are determined by the results of the surveys submitted by members.
Make your views known to those in Congress and state legislatures who represent you on the issues that affect working families every day. Visit the AFT's Take Action page.