Council 3 Updates

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Brother Glen Middleton yesterday evening. Brother Middleton was a fierce leader who inspired so many of us in the labor movement today.

Sixteen years ago, John Clark was babysitting his granddaughter at home when he saw an advertisement on TV that Baltimore County Public Schools was hiring bus drivers.

After hearing from USM and University officials, AFSCME leaders Maria Ayala (UMCP), Quiana Tilghman (UMES), Blair Knouse (FSU) and Todd Holden (UMCP) and Stuart Katzenberg from the AFSCME Council 3 Staff gave testimony to the assembled senators and delegates. In the run up to this hearing, AFSCME members and leaders spent hours meeting with legislators so they understood the danger our members face daily on campus and the need for greater oversight.
DBM Cuts COVID-19 Response Pay

AFSCME was informed after close of business Thursday, September 10th, that the elevated COVID-19 pay and additional quarantine pay for our frontline employees working at jobsites throughout the pandemic has been unilaterally canceled by the Hogan Administration. These members are exposed daily to COVID-19 and are in the highest risk category for contracting the virus. Already at least 800 AFSCME members have contracted COVID-19 from their workplace and two of our members have lost their lives from a workplace exposure. 

2020 Telework Survey for State and Higher Education Employees

As you all know that pandemic has brought about some much needed updates in the State’s and  Higher Education’s workplace policies.  One of the most glaring is the telework policy.  We have put together a survey to get more information from Sisters and Brothers across the state about the telework policies in their workplace.

July 1st UI Deduction Changes

At the end of Fiscal Year 2020, several AFSCME 3 members reached out about a change in deductions on their most recent pay stubs. On or about July 1st, members noticed that the UI contribution no longer reflected a balance. We confirmed through Cindy Kollner that this change was approved at the July 1st Board of Public Works meeting because the state has a large enough fund balance to pay for claims in the next fiscal year without charging state agencies. 

Bargaining Update: Urging Governor Hogan Return to Negotiation Table

Following a failed attempt at significant cuts to frontline employees at the July 1st Board of Public Works meeting, the AFSCME elected bargaining team began negotiating with Governor Hogan.    

Emergency Pay Grievance Update: August 20th, 2020

As of today, other than the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Emergency Pay Grievance filed by AFSCME has passed the first step of the grievance procedure. Please review the status of your agency via the list below. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has resumed enforcing timelines for grievances and appeals and we continue to actively pursue a successful resolution.

Board of Public Works Agenda Doesn’t Include Employee Rollbacks

… For Now

 

It was thought that the Board of Public Works (BPW) meeting on August 12 would include concessions demanded by the Governor and the Department of Budget & Management.  Yet when the final agenda was posted to the public, notably missing were any mention to cuts in pay or program.  

Budget Presentations Between DLS and DBM Show Agreement, Differences