Bargaing Update: December 5th Session
Today, our elected bargaining team met with the Hogan Administration for our second bargaining session over economic topics for bargaining units A, B, C, D, F, and H.
The State offered no wage proposal for the second straight session.
AFSCME once again highlighted our comprehensive proposal package to provide necessary increases to recruit and retain quality staff. We submitted a comprehensive package of proposals at our last bargaining session (11/21) about.
- Cost of Living Adjustment Increase
- Step or Increment Increases
- Create pay equity between experienced and new employees
- Implement the fight for $15 wage standards
- Increasing shift differential
AFSCME has made a proposal to include all bargaining unit employees in the state student loan repayment program.
By increasing wages the state would be able to begin addressing the critical staffing crisis plaguing Maryland’s public services. In Fiscal Year 2018, the State of Maryland spent almost $250 million on overtime spending. Instead of spending almost a quarter of a billion dollars on overtime, the State should safely staff and fairly compensate all institutions.
However, state negotiators have only proposed bonuses impacting just 3% of our bargaining units. These bonuses will not change their salary or contribute to their pension. This is a critical time to get active in your union and make clear that the 97% of members who would not receive an increase in FY20 will not accept these proposals.
We will continue to update after each bargaining session. We have two remaining sessions on December 11th and December 18th. Reach out to your shop steward or local president for updates or information on how to get involved.
