Skip to main content

Group grievances were filed for certain classifications believed to be eligible for the COVID-19 response that DBM did not include. The grievances include:

  • MPS- Park Rangers
  • MLGCA- Compliance Officers
  • DOL- Correctional Educators
  • MSDE- Correctional Educators

These classifications were not allowed to telework, and their job duties required serving the public throughout the pandemic. 

The grievances were transmitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) on July 13, 2021. We are currently awaiting hearing dates for all cases.

If your job duties required you to serve the public during the

MORE


To bring awareness to the state's unfair and arbitrary decision-making throughout this pandemic, Maryland Park Rangers completed a 5-mile hike from Arnold Park, MD, to Lawyer's Mall, Annapolis, on June 23.


At the beginning of the initial pandemic lockdowns, Maryland Park Services were asked to remain open. They were a vital service for Marylanders, who could no longer frequent shopping malls, restaurants, or bars. Being outdoors at a park was the safest way to maintain their physical and mental health. Park Rangers, despite working in the busiest times in State Park history and enduring

MORE

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"72630","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image media-image-left","style":"width: 250px; height: 250px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: left;"}}]]"...War!" this declaration has been made by many government leaders, including our Governor. The impacts of Coronavirus have many parallels to World War II and the Vietnam War. Some include the current economic cycle, the expansion of government and the debate of civil liberties, and the rising death tolls national leaders have compared to war figures.  And last but not least, the equivalent of frontline employees and frontline soldiers who put themselves at risk for the good of others.

While some may debate the use of "war" to describe the current times, the severe effects of the Coronavirus are certain.  Therefore, we all have a responsibility to act in the best interest of Maryland's recovery, especially those in a position of authority and serving as Heads of State Agencies making decisions that affect citizens' lives.

Frontline soldiers are the first line of defense in this war, and the best strategy is to reinforce the frontline. This is done by providing them the resources and support necessary to perform their duties and maintain morale. Morale wins wars!!

CLICK TO READ 

MORE

Agency Non-Compliance of Telework Orders

 

MPEC is working to address agency non-compliance with the Governor's telework orders on November 10th. (Click here to download the letter sent to Governor Hogan and Secretary Brinkley) The Dept. of Budget and Management has allowed each agency to interpret and implement policies and mandates that are intended to protect employees at the manager's discretion. The difference in implementation that we are experiencing has certainly revealed the value of human life as very subjective to individual personalities. We are thankful for the managers whose actions clearly display respect and appreciation for the life of others. However, the managers whose actions indicate otherwise, creating gratuitous risks, will certainly be addressed to the greatest extent possible.

Sadly, this difference in implementation has been an on-going issue since the beginning of the pandemic. We are speaking with lawmakers to pass legislation that will eliminate subjective loopholes in policies and mandates intended to prevent or mitigate harm to state employees. We will post updates on the MPEC website and Facebook page.

In solidarity,

Jerry Smith, President

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced change upon us. Despite the negatives, this crisis brings the opportunity to change poor building environmental conditions, improve telework policies, and bring awareness of the value we bring to Maryland. Thanks to collective bargaining, we have a voice in shaping the new norm to ensure the best possible working conditions for Unit G employees.

Over the past two years, we have taken a pragmatic approach to improve workplace conditions. We made strategic efforts to address critical issues affecting members across the state. As part of the process, we worked to

MORE