Press Room

Baltimore City Municipal Employees Ratify Historic Agreements on New Contract

AFSCME Maryland Council 3
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Agreement includes pay increases, improved health and safety protections, and expanded workplace rights for nearly 2,200 city employees represented by AFSCME

BALTIMORE – On Thursday, November 6 and Friday November 7, AFSCME Local 44, Local 558, and Local 2202 voted nearly unanimously to ratify their historic contract with Baltimore City. 

The next step is for the contract to be approved at an upcoming Baltimore City Board of Estimates meeting.  

Highlights of the ratified agreements include: 

  • A comprehensive overhaul of the existing pay scale that will raise the minimum salary of all city employees represented by AFSCME to at least $20 an hour (up from $16 an hour.
  • On average, Local 44 members will receive an average of nearly 19% in wage increases over the life of the contract.
  • Local 558 members will receive an average of nearly 14% in wage increases.
  • Local 2202 members will receive an average of nearly 12% in wage increases.
  • A new 25-step salary scale will be phased in over 3 years to address issues of wage compression and lack of long-term career path.
  • Pay scale that honors years of service.
  • Cost of living adjustment of 2.5% for FY27 and 2.75% for FY28.
  • Enhanced Health and Safety Committees.
  • Increased meal allowance to $15 and an increase in the tool stipend for certain DGS employees from $2,000 to $2,500.
  • Will cover a three-year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. 

AFSCME Local 44, Local 558, and Local 2202 began negotiations with the City earlier this year. Together, the three locals represent nearly 2,200 city employees across various departments and agencies, including the Department of Public Works, Department of Transportation, Recreation and Parks, Department of General Services, Community Health Nurses, and the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success.

“As a member of the bargaining team, I’m proud and excited that we’ve ratified this historic contract. It truly values our hard work and establishes a step-scale that reflects our years of service and everything we do to keep the city running. This contract is inclusive of both new and longtime Baltimore City municipal employees. It ensures that those who’ve been here for ten or more years finally receive the pay they deserve, while also allowing new employees to start off on the right foot. These raises bring everyone up together, and it’s a well-deserved win for all of us.” Zeus Collins, Local 44 Bargaining Team Member Lead Mechanic, DGS Department of General Services, Pulaski Hwy Mechanical Shop

“I’m excited about this historic contract because it finally moves us in the right direction financially for our members. Our members deserve to feel valued and appreciated for the hard work they do every day. With these new, competitive wages, we can take pride in knowing that our contributions to the city are being recognized. We look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor to make Baltimore an even better place for everyone.”  Ed Brown, Bargaining Team Member, Shop Steward, Baltimore City Convention Center, Operations Crew Leader

“We are so excited to have ratified this contract, not only for what we’re receiving this year, but for the three-year phase system that will finally get every member to the step they deserve by the end of year three. For too long, many of our Baltimore City municipal employees had to take on second jobs just to keep up with bills and inflation. After 27 years of working for the city, I can say that this is the biggest raise we’ve ever received. That’s the union difference.” Valrie Matthews, Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Lead Worker

“As a Baltimore City municipal employee for 25 years, I can say this is long overdue. This is the biggest raise I’ve ever seen in my entire career, and it truly makes a difference. For years, I had to work overtime just to pay my bills and support my family. With this contract, I finally feel like one job will be enough. This agreement brings stability, fairness, and equity to our workplace.” Dara Dorman, Shop Steward, Local 44 Recording Secretary, Department of Public Works, Water Treatment Operator

“I’m thrilled with this agreement because it represents a historic change in how members are compensated and provides us with important health and safety protections. For the first time, our salaries as Local 558 members will be competitive with those of other healthcare employers in the city. This means we’ll be able to hire and retain the nurses we need to make sure our communities and children receive the care they need,” said Wendy Smith, AFSCME Local 558 President and Community Health Nurse II for the Health Department.” Wendy Smith, AFSCME Local 558 President, Bargaining Team Member, Community Health Nurse II, Health Department

“I am excited to see the workers of Local 2202 vote yes to ratify our new contract. With the new step scale, employees with MOCFS will be more likely to stay with the agency and expand their careers. Members really showed up and showed out!” Jacqueline Powell, AFSCME local 2202 President, Bargaining Team Member, Human Services Worker II for Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success.

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About AFSCME  
AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families. 

About AFSCME Maryland Council 3   
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents nearly 50,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education and the private sector who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.