AFSCME members turned out to the Joint Committee on Pensions meeting on December 8th in Annapolis. It was expected that the committee would take action to avoid a cut in pension benefits due to a negative cost-of-living during the past year. The committee decided instead to wait until January to decide on this issue. Committee members have some expectation that the economy may improve by that time and action will not be necessary.

AFSCME members made many calls to legislators when this issue came to light in October. At that time, legislators were informed that because pension cost of living increases were tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a decrease in the CPI would also mean a decrease in pension benefits.

AFSCME will continue to watch this issue closely and reach out to members and retirees to speak out if necessary. You can learn more about this issue and the hearing from the Maryland Reporter:

"The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the state’s largest public work force union, is already pushing back against the possible pension cut. Union officials brought about 10 members along to observe the hearing.

Sue Esty, assistant director of AFSCME Maryland, said the committee was 'punting to the legislative session,' but she promised a strong reaction from the union if a benefit cut were imminent.

'First of all, when we retire, we’re asked to live off of one third of the income that we had,' said Sylvia Seymour, a retired Department of Human Resources worker and AFSCME member from Baltimore. 'We had to adjust to live with that one third, and to cut that would really be a hardship. It would be a disaster.'"

AFSCME members turned out in force to object to the closure of the Upper Shore Mental Health Center. Tonya Rider, AFSCME spokesperson pointed out that the closure would not provide the critical intensive treatment to those facing serious co-occurring problems of substance abuse and mental illness. AFSCME, had presented an alternative to closure, but Secretary of DHMH John Colmers insisted that closure would allow patients to move to the "least restrictive environment" as required by law. The Board of Public Works stood by its previous decision to closure Upper Shore with Comptroller Peter Franchot alone in supporting the union's alternative. Sue Esty, Assistant Director, who also testified, vowed to return to the issue in January when the legislature convenes.

Other major cuts included a reduction in beds at the Rockville Institute for Children and Adolescents (RICA). Click here for a full list of budget cuts.

Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute Fact Sheet on the Budget

Learn about the Charity Campaign and how you can help. For more information, contact:

AFL-CIO Community Services
2701 W. Patapsco Avenue, Suite 110
Baltimore, Maryland 21230 
410.247.4898

The Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits is sponsoring worksite seasonal flu clinics for State employees in September and early October. Protect yourself from the flu by taking this opportunity to become immunized.

The cost is $10 payable by cash only. Visit the DBM website for more information.

In anticipation of H1N1 flu, AFSCME has negotiated specific policies for state employees providing three levels of response to H1N1. As you know, the H1N1 virus (also called the swine flu) could become a serious issue in state workplaces. H1N1 is a serious health risk for adults and could lead to a large number of state employees being absent from work. Remember, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home rather than reporting to work and infecting your entire workplace.

AFSCME Maryland asked for your ideas on how to save money in the state budget, and you had plenty of suggestions! Take a look, and if you can think of others, send them in here:

Your Budget Cut Suggestions

The Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute has drafted a report on Maryland's budget picture, including updated information from this week's decisions by the Board of Public Works. The report particularly focuses on low- and moderate-income Marylanders. Click below for the full report:

Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institue Special Report on the State Budget (pdf)

AFSCME Maryland worked diligently on behalf of state workers to avoid the more than 2500 layoffs that were initially put on the table by the O’Malley Administration. While we were opposed to furloughs throughout this process, layoffs for state employees were unthinkable. Furlough days were set up on a progressive scale thanks to our efforts. Low paid employees were particularly protected. AFSCME Maryland was also able to protect employee health benefits and pensions. In the end, we were even able to ensure savings for state employees using generic prescription medications.

No across-the-board layoffs

No health care cuts

We were able to reduce the overall budget cuts for state employees by $25 million, resulting in a reduction in the number of furlough days across-the-board

AFSCME Maryland continues to fight for state employees and the people of Maryland. In these tough economic times, our members and the services they provide are needed more than ever.

Maryland State Santa gives state workers some "gifts." See public employees respond in Part 2!