Bargaining Update between AFSCME Maryland and Hogan Administration for FY 2021

AFSCME Maryland is the largest union for state employees representing diverse agencies with various purposes intended to function together to help citizens and residents of Maryland. Our union represents bargaining units A, B, C, D, F and H. Maryland’s public services are in a staffing crisis. AFSCME Maryland has a plan to fight for a better Maryland with well-funded, fully staffed and adequately resourced public services.

Over Governor Hogan’s tenure in office our union has worked to make sure state employees are receiving long overdue increases in compensation. This year, Hogan’s negotiators began negotiations by offering only a $500 bonus. Our members can’t plan a career and support their families with bonuses and uncertain increases scheduled in the future. AFSCME’s elected bargaining team pushed for real wage increases and exchanged a number of counter proposals over the course of several months.

Our union proposed a comprehensive package including a 5% COLA increase, two step increases, compensation for excessive overtime and increases for targeted classifications with high vacancy rates. 

Through our lobbying efforts, last year, legislators budgeted an additional 2% COLA increase for July 2020 which is revenue contingent. In addition, through our persistence at wage negotiations this fall we have secured a 2% COLA  and a revenue contingent $500 bonus for January 2021. That means the raises scheduled so far are:

• July 2020- 2% COLA (contingent on revenue volatility funds)
• January 2021- secured 2% COLA and revenue contingent $500 bonus

In addition, we secured agreements with management on two important topics: Student Loan Reimbursement Program and Annual Salary Reviews.

Student Loan Reimbursement Program

AFSCME Maryland fought for expansion to all bargaining unit classifications of the existing SmartWork Student Loan reimbursement program. Programs like this are critical to being competitive in recruiting and retaining quality employees with surrounding employers and the private sector. We will continue to fight for expansion but this year agreed to expand the program to over 6,500 employees. 

On January 1, 2020, the following classifications will be added to the list of classifications eligible to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Plan:

1. DJS Resident Advisor I, II, Lead, and Trainee
2. Social Workers, specifically:
   1. Social Work Therapist, Family Services
   2. Social Worker I, Family Services
   3. Social Worker II, Family Services
   4. Social Worker I, Health Services
   5. Social Worker II, Health Services
   6. Social Worker Advanced, Health Services
   7. Social Worker I, Criminal Justice
   8. Social Worker II, Criminal Justice
   9. Social Worker Advanced, Criminal Justice
   10. Casework Specialist, Family Services
   11. Child Support Specialist Trainee, I, II and Lead
   12. Family Investment Specialist I, II, III, and IV
   13. Family Services Caseworker Trainee, I, II, and III
   14. CAMH Associate I, II, III and Lead
   15. Correctional Case Management Specialist I, II and Trainee
   16. MSP Criminal Intelligence Analyst I, II and Trainee
   17. Psychologist I and II
   18. Psychologist II, Perkins
   19. Psychologist Intern
   20. Psychology Associate Doct Corr
   21. Psychology Associate Doctorate
   22. Psychology Associate Doctorate Perkins
   23. Psychology Associate I Masters
   24. Psychology Associate II Corr
   25. Psychology Associate II Masters
   26. Psychology Associate III Masters
   27. MDOT Skilled Trade Specialist I, II and III
   28. Automatic Services Mechanic
   29. Automatic Services Specialist
   30. Carpenter and Carpenter Trim
   31. Electrician and Electrician Senior
   32. Maint Mechanic, Senior, and Assistant
   33. Marine Tech I, II and Trainee
   34. Mason-Plasterer
   35. Plumber
   36. Refrigeration Mechanic
   37. Steam Fitter

 The Student Loan Repayment Plan will accept applications for all eligible classifications for participation through June 30, 2021.

Annual Salary Reviews

Each year, in negotiations, we discuss Annual Salary Reviews which is a process intended to increase the base salary for classifications with high vacancy rates and clear recruitment and retention issues. As a result of this year’s negotiations a number of classifications will receive a 6% increase effective July 1, 2020. We intend to go and fight for much deserved across the board increases and enhancements for additional critically understaffed classifications. 

As a result of the Annual Salary Review (ASR) process, effective July 1, 2020:

The following classifications in the Agricultural Inspector series will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay. 

The following classifications in the Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist series will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay. 

The following Aviation-related classifications will receive a I-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay. 

The following classifications in the Commitment Records Specialist series will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classifications in the Developmental Disabilities Associate series will receive a 3- grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay. 

The following classifications in the Direct Cate series will receive a 3-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classifications in the Geriatric Nursing Assistant series will receive a 3-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classifications in the Licensed Practical Nurse series will receive a 2-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

Employees in the following classifications at Perkins Hospital will receive a I-grade increase above the grade assigned to these classifications Statewide. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay. This is in addition to the 6% increase the Social Worker, Health Svcs position series is getting on July 1st, 2020. 

The following classifications in the Psychologist series will receive a 1-grade increase, Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay. 

The following classifications in the Social Worker series will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classifications in the Soil Conservation Associate series will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classification will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classification in the WIC Services Associate series will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

 The following classification in the Pretrial Release Investigator series will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

 The following classification will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classifications within the Transportation Service Human Resources System (TS HRS) will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

The following classifications within the TSHRS will receive a 1-grade increase. Employees will receive a 6% increase in pay.

This is just the beginning. Our fight continues into the 2020 Legislative Session. We need our members to stand together and help to fill the streets of Annapolis on January 14th from 4-8pm with a rally at 6. 

RSVP for the rally on January 14th here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/maryland-deserves-better-2020-legislative-kick-off

As we have more information, we will be providing more information. Until then, see you in Annapolis.