Historic contract improving pay, benefits, and working conditions covers nearly 6,000 workers
Baltimore – At a signing ceremony on August 2, 2024, AFSCME Maryland Council 3 and the University System of Maryland (USM) made official the first system-wide union contract for nearly 6,000 workers represented by AFSCME Maryland Council 3.
The ceremony comes after workers represented by AFSCME overwhelmingly voted to ratify the historic contract after a two-weeklong vote in July. The USM Board of Regents then ratified the contract on their end during a July 31 board meeting.
This victory represents a major shift from negotiating individual union contracts for each campus to having a single unified contract across the system that more effectively addresses disparities in pay and working conditions between schools.
“Ratifying this contract is a historical moment for all of us. To have proper protocols and requirements in place for air quality, asbestos, heat, and more is a critical step in the right direction for the safety and well-being of workers across the university system,” said Jontae Thomas, a Mechanical Trades Chief at Bowie State University.
This new contract runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027. Highlights of this system-wide union contract include:
- Upwards of 5% or more in pay increases, including a longevity increase for at least 5 years of service
- Increase in the minimum wage from $32,000 a year to $38,000 a year (approximately $18.22/hr)
- Additional pay increases in the second and third years of the contract
- Other pay improvements including on-call pay, call-back pay, acting capacity pay, and more
- Improved annual leave accrual for staff as well as establishment of employee-to-employee leave donations and a leave reserve fund
- Establishment of health and safety protocols around heat safety and air quality, “right to know” language that university must notify of hazards, and safety equipment and trainings
- No increase in parking fees for those making less than $55,000 and limits on how much parking fees can be increased
- Additional rights for contractual employees, workplace privacy protections, and more
“We went through a period under the previous Hogan administration where workers did not get a single raise for five consecutive years in a row. I saw many coworkers leave for better jobs, and those of us who stayed are overworked and underpaid. The raises that we have won are long-deserved and a step in the right direction. And when it came to the pandemic, many of us faced serious risks that management failed to address. But now, with this new contract, we will be more empowered to address critical health and safety issues,” said Warren Pointer, an Electronics Technician at the University of Maryland, College Park.
This vote is the culmination of a nearly two-year long negotiations process that started in August 2022. The negotiations was made possible only after the 2021 Legislative Session, in which the Maryland General Assembly overrode former Governor Larry Hogan’s veto of SB 9. The legislation allowed for the possibility of negotiating a unified contract for the entire university system.
“The ratification of this contract is historic and only made possible by each and every one of our union members. From these raises to increased safety protocols to an expansion of our rights in the workplace, I’m proud of what our bargaining team has accomplished, and everyone can see the power and value of our union when we work together,” said Debbie Michaels, a Program Administrative Specialist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
“In past negotiations for our union contract at College Park, management repeatedly tried to avoid discussing important issues such as health and safety protocols and their reliance on contractual employees. But bargaining a contract for the entire university system meant system leadership had to finally stop pitting us against one another. This is the best contract we have ever had. And this is just the first of many great contracts to come in the future,” said Jeanne Pekny, a Program Administrative Specialist at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Per SB 9, remaining topics that must be negotiated at the institution level include:
- Designation of essential employees
- Student breaks and holidays
- Hours of work
- Other compensation that does not directly impact wages or salary
- Shift differentials
- Teleworking
- Uniforms and equipment
“We fought for the rights of all of the workers who keep the university system running. We've set the groundwork for future system-wide contracts, and we won big for everyone!” said Kevin Carr, a Program Specialist at Coppin State University.
“This historic accomplishment is many years in the making. And now for the first time, the hardworking staff at these University System of Maryland schools will have a strong union contract that raises the bar across the board when it comes to pay, benefits, and working conditions. Gone are the days of each university trying to divide us because they know we’re stronger when we advocate together,” said Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland Council 3.
AFSCME currently represents workers at the University of Maryland College Park, University of Baltimore, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Bowie State University, Frostburg State University, University of Maryland Baltimore, Coppin State University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Maryland Global Campus, and Universities at Shady Grove.
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About AFSCME Maryland Council 3
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents nearly 45,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.
