Press Room

All media requests should be directed to [email protected].

University System of Maryland Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify First System-Wide Union Contract

Historic contract improving pay, benefits, and working conditions covers nearly 6,000 workers

AFSCME Maryland Members Rally After Fellow Parole and Probation Agent Davis Martinez’s Death

Over 100 union members call for improved safety protocols, safer staffing levels, and accountability from state leaders during rally outside Catonsville District Court

Thousands of Current and Former DPSCS Employees Win Settlement Over Agency Stealing Time from Workers

Thousands of employees who have worked or currently work for Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) will receive a combined total of $13 million as a result of a federal Department of Labor investigation surrounding the illegal changing of timecards by the State, violating the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Workers at Walters Art Museum win union election

Nearly 80 museum workers at the Walters Art Museum have overwhelmingly voted to form their union with AFSCME Maryland Council 3. The election was conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) on Thursday, June 15th, 2023; workers voted 60 to 5 in favor of their union.

Union for DPSCS Correctional Officers Releases Report Showing Dangerous Understaffing in State Correctional Facilities

On Thursday, April 20, AFSCME Maryland Council 3, a union that represents thousands of Maryland state employees, held a virtual press conference to share the results of a report analyzing the dangerously low staffing levels at state correctional facilities across Maryland.

AFSCME Maryland Council 3 releases priorities for 2023 legislative session

This year’s priorities are focused on three major areas: leveling the playing field between workers and management, improving working conditions, and building a better Maryland for workers and their families.

AFSCME Maryland Reaches Agreement with State in End of Year Wage Negotiations

Today, AFSCME Maryland Council 3 reached an agreement with the State on wage increases for the coming year at the statutory deadline. Per the agreement, all state workers covered by an AFSCME contract who are eligible for a step increase will receive one in the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2023. Depending on the position and agency, some state workers will receive additional pay increases and bonuses.

Workers at the Office of the Public Defender Win Union Election

Today, workers at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) won their union election and have voted to certify AFSCME Maryland Council 3 as their exclusive bargaining representative. One bargaining unit will consist of core (administrative and support) staff, and another bargaining unit will consist of intake staff, investigators, social workers and attorneys. These two bargaining units span the entire state in 12 different districts and over 600 workers at the OPD.

University System of Maryland workers rally together ahead of September Board of Regents meeting

Today, members of AFSCME Council 3, joined by allies across Maryland, are demanding better treatment and a fair contract from the University System of Maryland (USM).

AFSCME Members Oppose Governor Hogan’s Proposed Master Plan Closing Western Maryland Hospital Center With Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Perez

Hagerstown, Maryland- AFSCME Council 3 members are coming together to oppose Governor Hogan’s proposed 2041 Master Facilities Plan which calls for the closure of Western Maryland Hospital Center and other facilities. In the Maryland Department of Health’s “2041 Facilities Master Plan,” released in September of 2021, they state one of their goals is “Identifying strategic partners to transfer services from Western Maryland Hospital Center in Hagerstown and Deer’s Head Hospital Center in Salisbury to healthcare and community providers”.