BOE Bargaining Update: May 12, 2025
On Monday, May 12, the AFSCME Maryland bargaining team had its first session with the leadership of Baltimore City Public Schools to negotiate a new union contract. The session took place at the AFSCME Maryland office in Baltimore. The AFSCME Maryland team is made up of Local 44 members who work at various schools and departments throughout the city.
Initial proposals were made around various topics, including the following:
- Wages: Increasing the pay scale across the board and a combination of a base pay increase or cost-of-living-adjustment with a bonus as well as an increase to the shift differential
- Sick Leave: Aligning the language with the new FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) program and sick and safe leave policies
- Health and Safety: Adding language to address heat stress and heat illness prevention, improving safety on buses, implementing health and safety trainings
- Uniforms: Requesting that the employer furnish all necessary materials, uniforms, tools and protective equipment needed
- Access: Protecting our union’s right to participate in new employee orientations, communicate with members, and have an office space to handle grievances and represent members
- Contracting Out: Requiring a report on use of temporary workers and creating a pathway for contractors to become full-time employees of BCPS with benefits.
Our next bargaining session will be on Thursday, May 22 at North Ave. In the meantime, if you would like to get involved or become a union steward, please email info@afscmemd.org.