During the month of July, 2015, Baltimore City Public  Schools will be hosting a series of community conversations around Baltimore City to discuss how school police can work with schools, students, and the community to keep students safe and in school during the day.

In the 2015 Maryland Legislative Session, a bill was introduced to allow Police to carry guns in schools. The legislation didn't make it out of committee, but we anticipate that similar legislation will be introduced again next session and that this will be a major topic of discussion at these Community Conversations this month.

Th

Calling all MPEC union members
who serve as team coaches in their community:

We currently have available up to 25 Baltimore ORIOLES game tickets for two separate dates to distribute free to two worthy teams. Dates are August 17, 2015 or August 20, 2015.

If you are an MPEC member and a coach of a Little League and/or softball league team, or other organized boys, girls, or mixed youth league team and want to take your players “Out To The Ball Game”, contact us by phone or email by July 15th. Describe your team, pick a game date and include the reason you think MPEC should select your team for the

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