AFSCME MD wins paid administrative leave.

Governor to Compensate Furloughed Employees with Paid Administrative Leave

Due to our nation's economy and Maryland's $1.5 billion structural deficit, Governor O’Malley issued Executive Order 01.01.2010.11continuing the furlough plan for the coming fiscal year.

AFSCME MD won paid administrative leave 
Because of AFSCME MD members the executive order grants state employees paid administrative leave as a way to mitigate the negative impact on our families. This paid administrative leave was a proposal submitted to the state by AFSCME MD during recent negotiations. AFSCME MD represented employees will receive administrative leave with our pay beginning July 1, 2011. The number of leave days for each employee will depend on the actual number of furlough days an employee is scheduled to take this year.

Every day, state employees are on the front-lines serving the people of Maryland. Today’s cuts mean a loss for state employees, and for those who rely on the services we provide. Even in these tough times, it is essential that we remember our priorities in Maryland, and that the people of this state come first.

The furlough days breakdown is as follows:

"All employees subject to this Executive Order who earn salaries of $40,000 or more, except employees of 24/7 operations, shall be required to take furlough hours based on salary level before July 1, 2011.

Employees earning between $40,000 and $49,000 will be required to take twenty-four furlough hours, while employees earning between $50,000 and $99,000 will be required to take thirty-two furlough hours, and employees earning $100,000 or more will be required to take forty furlough hours."

The salary reduction breakdown is as follows:

"All employees subject to this Executive Order who earn salaries of $40,000 or more, including employees of 24/7 operations, will have a temporary salary reduction equivalent to five days of pay.

All employees earning salaries of less than $40,000, including employees of 24/7 operations, will have a temporary salary reduction equivalent to three days of pay."

While the total reduction is the same amount as last time, the per-pay-period reduction will be lower--because it is spread out throughout the entire 12 months of the fiscal year.

AFSCME MD continues to fight for state employees and the people of Maryland. We will continue bargaining with the state to ensure the best arrangement for the use of administrative leave days and on issues impacting our bargaining unit employees. Stay tuned here for further updates.