AFSCME Council 3 at BPW
Last Wednesday (May 6th), members of the Board of Public Works met via Zoom. The Board of Public Works (BPW) consists of the State Treasurer Nancy Kopp, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Governor Larry Hogan and meets regularly to formally approve all state expenditures. The BPW reviews and votes on proposals from state agencies and reviews and approves capital projects, procurement contracts and the use of State assets.
During this time of crisis, the BPW plays a critical role in acquiring personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies to combat the spread of the virus. At this week’s meeting, where Governor Larry Hogan was represented by Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, State Treasurer Nancy Kopp spoke out on behalf of state employees.
Many state employees have not been properly notified about their potential exposure and management has failed to provide adequate supplies and resources to ensure minimal employee exposure. AFSCME 3 continues to fight for adequate PPE for all employees, a clear plan on how to respond to COVID-19 positive cases and testing for all state employees to effectively track the spread.
Treasurer Kopp said at the outset of the meeting: “They’re frightened and they’re right to be frightened. Which is why I stress the importance of communications. Here are the cases…here’s when you’re going to have the equipment…here’s what’s going to happen if someone you are working with becomes ill.”
The Lt. Governor had no response and erroneously stated “state employees are ‘bringing the virus’ into facilities.” This is just another example of the failed response of the Hogan Administration. AFSCME 3 is continuing to take every opportunity to fight for safe working conditions. We thank Treasurer Kopp for standing for state employees.
In addition, AFSCME 3 President Patrick Moran testified in front of the Board of Public Works about the insufficient supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and lack of testing or planned responses in state facilities. Our union is continuing to fight for safe working conditions for all state employees at every avenue possible.
Read WYPR article: https://www.wypr.org/post/state-treasurer-tells-hogan-admin-do-better-state-employees
