AFSCME Wins Forensic Pay and Additional Security for State Hospitals!
AFSCME members have been fighting for years to fix the pay disparities and lack of security in the State Hospitals and Residential Centers which are now predominantly Forensic. They lobbied legislators this session to pass two pieces of legislation to help the staffing crisis and improve security. We are happy to report that their relentless efforts have paid off!
With the passage of the state budget, the legislature fenced off up to 3% for all AFSCME members to receive July 1, 2020 (pending revenues and Governor Hogan releasing these funds.) Earlier today, the Maryland Legislature passed SB 693 which requires MDH facilities with at least 75% forensic admissions to do the following effective July 1, 2020:
- Provide a 2-grade increase to Clifton T. Perkins employees who have direct contact with the patients, are in bargaining units D, E, F, & H, and are not receiving a forensic pay premium already;
- Provide pay parity among all AFSCME bargaining unit employees who are similarly trained, qualified, or licensed in forensic facilities with 75% or more forensic admissions;
- Hire Corrections Trained Security Attendants beginning July 1, 2020 and by July 1, 2021 ensure that the patient-to-security ratio in maximum security facilities be no less than 1:3, and in minimum security facilities be no less than 1:12.
The legislature also passed SB 639, which effective July 1, 2020 will require the MDH to provide pay parity for security attendants required to complete training at the correctional academy with the DOC.
Together, these bills pump an additional $14.75 million into staff salaries and security personnel in the facilities that have seen the biggest issues with staff safety.
The chart below provides information on how these increases will translate to some of the bigger classifications. To see if your classification is impacted check out the DBM class specifications website to look for your similarly trained, qualified, or licensed equivalent position. Or email us at [email protected]
These bills are now off to the Governor’s Desk for signature. We will let you know when it’s time to contact the Governor’s office to make sure he signs them!
Job | Pay Grade(s) beginning 7/1/20 | Perkins Job Title | Regional Hospital/DDA Title |
Activity Therapy Associate I, II, III | 9, 10, 11 | Activity Therapy Associate I, II, III | Activity Therapy Associate I, II, III |
Work Adjustment Associate I, II, III | 9, 10, 11 | Work Adjustment Associate I, II, III | Work Adjustment Associate I, II, III |
CNA/RA I, II | 12, 13 | Security Attendant I, II, Nursing | Direct Care Aid, I, II Resident Advisor SETT I, II |
Lead Worker-Security, Direct Care, or Residential Staff | 14 | Security Attendant, Lead | DDA, RA Lead |
A/D Supervised Counselor | 15 | A/D Supervised Counselor | A/D Supervised Counselor |
LPN | 16 | Security Attendant, LPN | Licensed Practical Nurse |
Social Worker I, II | 17, 18 | Social Worker I, II Health Services | Social Worker I, II Health Services |
Psychologist I, II | 20, 21 | Psychologist I, Perkins | Psychologist II, |
Security Attendant I, II, III | CORR 0003, 0004, 0005 | Security Attendant I, II, III | Security Attendant I, II, III |
Have ideas for legislation you want to see the General Assembly work on next session? This work starts soon. Become a PAL – contact Lance Kilpatrick at [email protected] for more information today or fill out this simple form: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-the-political-action-liaison-program
We take on tough fights and when we fight, we win!
