Council 3 Updates

This year, we recognize Workers Memorial Day (April 28th) and International Workers’ Day (May 1st) remembering those workers who were injured, became ill, or died because of hazards like COVID-19 at work. We honor the sacrifices of Maryland’s public service workers throughout the past year and leading our recovery effort. I hope each of you takes a moment to pause and acknowledge what we have endured over the past year.

After three years of organizing, testifying and lobbying AFSCME Council 3 members at University System of Maryland (USM) Schools will finally have the opportunity to have one master agreement covering them all.  Senate Bill 9 was lightly amended in the House and passed both chambers of the General Assembly this session, awaiting to become law. 

Earlier this month, Governor Hogan announced a new supplemental budget for $100 million which will be used to fund COVID-19 Response Pay through the end of 2021. This includes both the $3.13 response pay and $5.13 quarantine pay for classifications as designated by the Department of Budget and Management- click here to review the list.

With the typical AFSCME spirit of “it’s not over until it’s over,” union-supported legislation to create a statewide Telework policy for both the public and private sectors passed the General Assembly as the clock approached midnight on Monday, April 12 – the last day of the legislative session. 

AFSCME Council 3 has endorsed Jamaal Craddock for re-election to the Board of Trustees For Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. Voting materials will be sent via the mail starting May 14th, 2021, and will be conducted via the phone or internet. Our Executive Board is proud to endorse Brother Craddock and looks forward to working together to ensure our pension fund is protected.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, AFSCME members have made it clear that DBM’s response pay was a violation of our contract language on emergency pay. In response, we filed the largest group grievance against the State of Maryland to enforce our contract and are in the final step of the grievance procedure. The recent announcement about COVID-19 backpay (the $3.13/hr for limited classifications- review the list here) does not impact our case.

We are less than a week from completing the General Assembly’s 2021 90-Day legislative session.  Here are some of the latest actions taken by the legislature that AFSCME Council 3 has been advocating:

Why EPRU and SMPRU Should Remain Open

Eastern Pre-Release Unit – Church Hill, Queen Anne’s County

Southern Maryland Pre-Release Unit – Charlotte Hall, St. Mary’s County