Bargaining Update: April 22-23, 2025

On Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22-23rd, AFSCME Maryland bargaining team (Locals 44, 558, and 2202) met with the City of Baltimore in back-to-back bargaining sessions to continue negotiations over our agreement.

Over the two days, the City of Baltimore replied to AFSCME’s initial non-economic proposals, and we countered their offers.  

Our team is working through new language that would promote health and safety, such as allowing employees to refuse unsafe work.

Additionally, we have reached a tentative agreement with the City and all agencies to provide notice over standard operating procedures that affect the terms and conditions of employment and open them up for bargaining.

The City and AFSCME discussed the Department of Public Works and the implementation of AFSCME legislation that mandates protections from heat illness. The City has proposed protocols to combat heat illness that AFSCME supports, however, more work needs to be done before finalizing contract language.

AFSCME proposed a framework for across-the-board wage increases for all members. This framework includes pay scale changes, which would lead to raises for all members in year one, a step scale that would give additional yearly raises, and additional COLAs for the life of the contract. These proposals would significantly increase pay immediately and year-over-year.

We are anticipating that the City will propose a wage offer in an upcoming bargaining session. AFSCME is still awaiting the City’s response to our information requests and our joint health committee request.