[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"54599","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image media-image-right","height":"800","style":"width: 125px; height: 125px; float: right;","width":"800"}}]]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

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. This 10-question survey was emailed to all unit-g members in the MPEC database and will be posted on our website http://mpec.md.aft.org/. This survey will close Saturday, September 21, 2019.

Click here for the survey.

Members made their voices heard regarding the work environment at the Maryland Department of Health. The facility has a wide range of environmental challenges that affect members, but the most recent one to cause a stir was a bedbug outbreak. The state told the union that it has treated the facility for bedbugs, but members want a full, one-time fumigation of the building. Additionally, members are also calling for the state to pay for any costs employees incur for removing bedbugs they brought from work to their personal residences.

The meeting was wide-ranging as members expressed frustration

MPEC Officials and staff are working to ensure your physical and mental well-being are taken into consideration as DGS officials work to resolve the problem of bed bugs at the 201 W Preston building. Last Friday morning, MPEC President Jerry Smith requested safe accommodations for employees working at the 201 building. (Click here to view request.)

While the issue of bed bugs is our immediate concern, the overall condition of state center buildings is "SICK". Mice, roaches, signs of asbestos, bad drinking water, and unhealthy air must be addressed. There have been talks of rebuilding state

Members are concerned with the recent work environment challenges at the Maryland Department of Health. Bedbugs were reported to be in the building and members are worried about the many health challenges that presents. In response, MPEC held a union meeting to update members on what we have heard from the state as well as to hear from members what they are experiencing. Organizer Felicia Hawkins led the meeting that drew dozens of people during their lunch break.

Members were updated on the discussions between the state and MPEC. The state has said the outbreak has been contained and the rest