Maryland Professional Employees Council Local 6197

Legislative Reception in Annapolis

Delegates and State Senators in Annapolis made their way to the Maryland Inn Monday night for an AFT-Maryland legislative reception. It was well attended by labor leaders and elected officials alike. The staff and service at the Maryland Inn was superb as politicians got a chance to meet with important figures in Baltimore and ostensibly Maryland's labor movement.

Local presidents such as John Ripley (BCFPE), Karen Pilecki (BCFPHN), Maria Mathias (MPEC), Yvonne Rice (CUB), and Marietta English (AFT Maryland and BTU) were in attendance. Conversation around serious political issues were minimal

As the race for elected office in Baltimore City continues, AFT-Maryland hosted a candidate forum for those running for City Council in Districts 2, 3, 12, and 13. Among those in attendance were Brandon Scott, Tony Chrisitan, Marques Dent, Jermaine Jones, Ryan Dorsey, George Van Hook, Jason Pyeron, Gary Crum, Shannon Sneed, and George Johnson. Members listened as each candidate presented their vision for Baltimore City and the specific districts they seek to represent.

The forum tackled mainly education questions including the question of funding for Baltimore City Public Schools. Some

AFTMD Members Question Mayoral Candidates

The AFT-Maryland welcomed eight candidates (Elizabeth Embry, Calvin Young, Sheila Dixon, David Warnock, Cindy Walsh, Nick Mosby, Carl Stokes, and Catherine Pugh) for mayor of Baltimore to a standing room only members forum, where they had an opportunity to address members' concerns, including education spending, school board appointment, collective bargaining for city employees, and the sale of public utilities.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"34393","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","style":"width: 423px; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px;","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

AFT-Maryland will interview candidates who want to represent your district in the Baltimore City Council. Members of AFT-Maryland affiliated local unions are invited to attend, to ensure the candidates know our members' priorities.

Help us decide who to support for the AFL-CIO Endorsement.

Districts 2, 3, 12, & 13 (click for flyer)
Thurs., Feb. 4th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Districts 1, 8, 9, 10, & 11 (click for flyer)
Wed., Feb. 10th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, & 14 (click for flyer)
~~Tues., Feb. 16th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.~~
CANCELLED due to weather conditions.

All Forums will be held at the Baltimore

Come to Lobby Night in Annapolis Feb 22nd

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"34357","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","style":"width: 100%; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px;","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

Last year, Governor Hogan put our members on high alert. He cut funding to Baltimore City Public Schools, demanded cutting each state agency by 2% and attempted to remove collective bargaining rights from teachers and staff at public charters schools.

Because of YOUR efforts in Annapolis last year, we were able to keep the 2% for state and government workers, and protect collective bargaining rights teachers and staff at public charter schools. JOIN US again this year!

Read more...

The governor's $42 billion Maryland State spending budget has been unveiled, and it includes a step increase for State Employees without the cuts to overtime or sick leave rights that he originally proposed. This is a big win for union members, who have fought hard for this increase.

On the other hand, the governor has proposed eliminating state employee positions to "right-size" many departments. Other positions and services could be privatized, which means lower wages and no union contract.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK UP.

Join us for Lobby Night in Annapolis this Monday, Jan. 25th. AFT-Maryland