Council 3 Updates

Member Spotlight: Zach Reed

A lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County and a member of AFSCME Local 582, Zach Reed is more than a maintenance mechanic for government buildings; for the past seven years he's been vital to ensu

November 2023 Message from AFSCME Maryland Council 3 President Patrick Moran

Giving Thanks

The holiday season has started, and we have a lot to be grateful for — all because of the work that AFSCME members do each and every day acr

USM Bargaining Story: Jontae Thomas

A seasoned Mechanical Trades Chief at Bowie State University, Jontae Thomas has spent over a decade taking care of the fire alarm systems and electrical issues on campus.

HB73 Telework Policy Reform Passes the House

On Thursday, March 4th, HB73 Telework Policy Reform passed the Maryland House of Delegates by a vote of 100-22. It will now crossover to the Maryland Senate, so we’re one chamber down, one to go. 

Learn more about the Telework Policy Reform Here!

Governor Acknowledges Frontline Workers with $1,000 Bonus, Not Raises

On Monday, March 8th, Governor Hogan announced a $1,000 bonus for all state and higher education employees in Maryland going into effect

FIA Workers Testify Virtually to the Maryland Legislature

Last Friday, two members of AFSCME Local 112, the Maryland Department of Social Services, testified at a budget hearing held virtually. Each department or state agency has an annual budget hearing in front of elected officials who sit on the committees overseeing their agency's budget. This year because of the pandemic these hearings are being conducted virtually.

AFSCME Secures Funding for Forensic Pay

After years of organizing and lobbying, AFSMCE has helped secure forensic pay increases starting July 1st, 2021. 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. We are happy to report that their relentless efforts have paid off!

Governor Hogan’s FY22 budget includes funding for these increases starting on July 1st, 2021. This increased funding will allow:

AFSCME Wins Fight for Expanded Access to COVID-19 Vaccine & Plans Information Session

Amidst ongoing news of Maryland’s low uptake of the vaccine, AFSCME is continuing to urge management to remove as many barriers as possible to frontline workers who wish to access the vaccine. Our union urges management to facilitate access to vaccination for frontline workers by establishing worksite-based clinics at congregate care facilities and other large office complexes.

DBM Announces New Pandemic Carryover Policy

During negotiations for our contract with the State of Maryland, AFSCME raised issues with leave usage as a result of the novel pandemic. In response, management suggested carrying over leave related to the pandemic. Despite not agreeing to language specific to this topic and not agreeing to the State’s unacceptable and unguaranteed financial offer, recently AFSCME learned that DBM announced a new pandemic carryover policy.

Looking Forward: 2021 Legislative Session

This year will be different than any other General Session Maryland has ever had. Much of the work we do in Annapolis will now be done virtually presenting new challenges and opportunities.

AFSCME Council 3 Announces No Deal with Governor Hogan

No Contract Agreement Reached by December 31st, 2020

On January 1st, the same day, Maryland announces the second-highest positivity rate since the pandemic began; we also announced that we have failed to reach an agreement with Governor Hogan.  We are unwilling to accept less when we deserve more.