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Several Maryland legislators have announced their enthusiastic support of Maryland Defenders Union decision to organize as well. You can view a downloadable version of this letter by clicking here.

The Maryland Defenders Union (MDU) has decided to unionize with AFSCME Council 3, the Maryland-wide affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, to which dozens of OPD core staff and social workers already belong. 

Baltimore skyline with a sign in the foreground saying "BLM 2 OPD"

As front-line defenders, the attorneys, social workers, and core staff of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender have a front-row seat to racist police violence.

Photo of the front of the Talbot Court HouseAmidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) employees have stood together to provide the zealous representation our clients deserve, and fight for their health, safety, and dignity, despite di

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

We are the Maryland Defenders Union, an association of the frontline workers of the Office of the Public Defender whose labor is essential to the agency’s mission of providing outstanding representation to indigent clients. We are strongest when we speak together, work together, and fight together. Are you ready to join us?