Council 3 Updates

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.

Sabrina Razvi’s commitment to her community is evident both in her work as a Library Associate at the Severn Branch of Anne Arundel County Public Libraries (AACPL) and in her organizing efforts wit

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 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!
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.
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 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.   

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.

2020 Legislative Agenda

AFSCME COUNCIL 3: MARYLAND DESERVES BETTER

Every year, the General Assembly must pass a budget during the 90 day legislative session. Each legislator can also put forth legislation which must pass through a committee system and voted on by each chamber. AFSCME members have a variety of tools and events scheduled to make our voices heard. Read more about our legsialtive agenda below!