After reviewing the State’s actions and the applicable contract language, MPEC determined that December 26 was not applied consistently with Article 7 – Holidays, Section 1 of the Unit G MOU, which provides that any day proclaimed as a holiday or non-working day by the Governor of Maryland or the President of the United States must be observed as a holiday for Unit G employees. While the State properly honored Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it treated December 26 as “liberal leave,” which does not satisfy the contractual standard.
Based on this analysis, and consistent with the arguments outlined in our formal correspondence to DBM, MPEC has taken the initial steps to seek corrective action directly with DBM. Our goal is to resolve this matter promptly and ensure that affected employees are made whole. If the State does not correct the issue, we are prepared to proceed through the grievance process to enforce the contract.
We also want members to know that this is not an isolated issue. The grievance previously filed over the federal holiday declared in honor of President Jimmy Carter has now advanced to the Circuit Court and is pending the scheduling of a hearing. This underscores MPEC’s commitment to pursuing enforcement through every available forum when contractual rights are not respected.
Please be assured that MPEC will continue to take every action necessary to defend the contract and protect Unit G employees. We will keep members informed as these matters progress.