Member Spotlight: Joseph Fischer

AFSCME Local 1459 member Joseph Fischer is currently an HVAC Mechanic at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). He was recently awarded a Union Plus Scholarship, which provides higher education funds for union members and their families) and is using it to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

As a single parent, he's excited to graduate and not have to balance taking classes while working full time. His goal is to continue to work for the state but transition to a health and safety role within either Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) or the University System of Maryland (USM).

He noted that being part of a union has allowed him to pursue his degree and negotiate a living wage while doing so. "Going back to school has been really rewarding," he says. "I love being a lifelong learner."