For the first time, our contract covering 20,000 state employees in Units A, B, C, D, F, and H contains language allowing us to have five Chief Stewards! These individuals are released from their state duties for the calendar year, allowing them to focus full-time on organizing and building our union, representing members and solving workplace issues, and more.
We're excited to announce the following Chief Stewards for 2024!
Takisha (Kish) Fields
Child Support Specialist, Department of Human Services
Shop Steward, AFSCME Local 112
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Favorite Food: Korean Food (specifically dakbokkeumtang)
Favorite Union Activity: New employee orientations (NEOs) and worksite visits because they give you the space to engage with members and grasp an understanding of their needs
Favorite Union Memory/Victory: Lobby Nights in Annapolis because seeing everyone unified in one space is powerful and speaks volumes to the impact our union has
Why I Wanted to Become a Chief Shop Steward: Because I want to ensure a fair, safe, and supportive workplace for all employees and because it's important to have strong, empathetic representation to advocate for our rights and needs
Wynton Johnson
Facility Maintenance Technician, State Highway Administration
President, AFSCME Local 631 & Executive Vice President, AFSCME Maryland Council 3 Executive Board
Hometown: Washington, DC
Favorite Food: Salmon
Favorite Union Activity: New employee orientations (NEOs) and worksite visits because I love talking to members
Favorite Union Memory/Victory: Getting MDOT to correct their Essential Employee Notices and follow our union contract for the betterment of all MDOT employees
Why I Wanted to Become a Chief Shop Steward: So I can give 100% of my time to serving my union members
Jenny Reese
Licensed Practical Nurse, Springfield Hospital Center
President, AFSCME Local 539
Hometown: Monkton, MD
Favorite Food: Shrimp Creole and Rice
Favorite Union Activity: Worksite visits and talking to members in small groups and one-on-one conversations to learn more about the struggles they face on a daily basis, the wins they have had, and what they envision for the future
Favorite Union Memory/Victory: Building up my local to where it is now, rebuilding and growing new leaders, and forming lifelong friendships and connections
Why I Wanted to Become a Chief Shop Steward: To be able to devote my time to making sure our members are supported and have representation when they need it and to build a stronger labor movement centered around unity, family, and support
Rayneika Robinson
Parole and Probation Agent, Division of Parole and Probation
President, AFSCME Local 3661
Hometown: Harford County, MD
Favorite Food: Ice Cream (especially Ben & Jerry's Lights, Caramel, Action)
Favorite Union Activity: Helping members find their voice and realize the power they hold within, helping them take that power to make positive changes within the workplace, and helping everyone win!
Favorite Union Memory/Victory: Watching my local transform into a diverse board and working together to address concerns for members who have historically been left out
Why I Wanted to Become a Chief Shop Steward: Because I believe in the power of our union! And to dedicate my time to helping my fellow members solve issues within the workplace and inspire and encourage others to advocate for positive changes.
Tony Sines
Correctional Supply Officer, Western Correctional Institution
President, AFSCME Local 898
Hometown: Barton, MD
Favorite Food: Chicken Wings
Favorite Union Activity: Workplace actions and rallies & new employee orientations (NEOs)
Favorite Union Memory/Victory: Conducting a statewide staffing analysis at correctional facilities across Maryland and getting to know fellow correctional officers
Why I Wanted to Become a Chief Shop Steward: To help my coworkers negotiate higher wages and better benefits and improve conditions in our workplaces.
