Council 3 Updates

Wrapping Up the 2024 Legislative Session

The 2024 Maryland Legislative Session concluded at midnight on Monday, April 8, and our union has a lot to celebrate!

Introducing Your Chief Shop Stewards for the State!

For the first time, our contract covering 20,000 state employees in Units A, B, C, D, F, and H contains language allowing us to have five Chief Stewards!

AFSCME Council 3 at the Board of Public Works

During this time of crisis, the BPW plays a critical role in acquiring personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies to combat the spread of the virus. At this week’s meeting, where Governor Larry Hogan was represented by Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, State Treasurer Nancy Kopp spoke out on behalf of state employees.

Emergency Pay Grievance During the Pandemic

Emergency Pay Grievance Updates

The AFSCME Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in article 10, section 5, says that state employees whose duties require them to report to work to continue agency operations during an emergency condition or who are required to report to work during a declared emergency condition are entitled to be credited (i.e. paid) two hours of work time for each hour actually worked.

Coronavirus Pandemic Updates *UPDATED May 4th*

Over the past 48 hours, AFSCME stewards and activists have reported in from agencies and worksites across the State of Maryland. We have gathered a variety of information to provide an up-to-date assessment of where practices and preparedness stand in various agencies after several weeks of pushing the Administration to do the responsible thing.

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!

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information UPDATED 3/25

With COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) now present and spreading in the United States, many of our members will be on the front lines of caring for and transporting those afflicted with the virus. They too are at risk -- particularly if there isn’t awareness of the symptoms, if there is improper or delayed diagnosis, or if there are inadequate workplace safeguards. All Council 3 members have direct contact with the public. For these reasons, accurate information is of vital importance.

Stand up for Safe Staffing: Hear Management Testify to the Legislature

BECAUSE SO FAR HOGAN'S RESPONSE TO THE STAFFING CRISIS IS A PAY CUT In the last month, Governor Hogan has cut $65 million in funding for raises for state employees from the budget. We need to come together during the Legislative Session to work with our allies in the Legislature to fence off the money for this 3% COLA and then urge Governor Hogan to spend it before July.

General Assembly Overrides Hogan's Veto of MOU Grievance Bill

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OVERRIDES VETO OF MOU GRIEVANCE BILL

Today, the House voted 96-41 and Senate voted 31-15 to override Governor Hogan’s veto on our MOU grievance bill. This bill was originally introduced during the 2018 session and after two vetoes from the Governor will become law in thirty days. Thank you to the shop stewards, activists and members who fought to strengthen workers’ rights by working on this bill.   

Governor Hogan Cuts 2% COLA for July 2020

You care about the people of Maryland.

Governor Hogan doesn’t

Everybody knows that there is a serious staffing crisis here is Maryland.

Important services are suffering.  Services that help kids in crisis; that care for people in state hospitals; that provide assistance for people in state institutions who are looking to turn their lives around.