Vote FOR Question 1: Respect State Employees
Top Reasons to Vote FOR Question 1:
- Levels the playing field for 40,000 state employees during union contract negotiations so the State cannot ignore the concerns of workers.
- Improves labor law and would align us with 26 other states & D.C.
- Raises the standard for all public employees in Maryland and helps protect our public services.
What does Question 1 do?
Question 1 creates a fair, efficient, and transparent framework for resolving disputes in union negotiations between the State and state employee unions.
Why do we need Question 1 to pass?
Currently, if a stalemate occurs in union negotiations for state employees, the only tool to resolve the stalemate is a process called “fact finding”. Fact finding is not an effective tool to resolve an impasse, or stalemate, in union negotiations because the findings are NOT binding.
If Question 1 passes, our union will instead be allowed to use the binding arbitration process. This means we will engage a third-party arbitrator who will consider both sides and issue a binding decision.
Why did we need a ballot measure?
The Governor signed the Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act of 2026 earlier this year. But because the binding arbitration process involves the budgetary powers of the Governor and our state legislators, we must pass a constitutional amendment this November.
The amendment language means that the Governor will put enough money in the state budget to cover the agreed upon pay and benefits for employees. Nothing else about the General Assembly’s budget process and responsibilities will change.
How will Question 1 help Maryland?
Passing Question 1 means that we will be able to level the playing field in union contract negotiations for state workers. Having fair union contract negotiations means that the state employees who make Maryland’s state services possible will be able to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed.
When state workers feel respected and have the support they need, our state services are stronger as a result. This means more Marylanders being able to access the quality state services they need.
How do I vote?
You can find more information about how to vote, our union’s endorsed candidates, and more with AFSCME’s voter tool here.
Make a Plan to VoteHow can I help?
You can help us get out the vote and find opportunities to volunteer at afscmemd.org/vote.
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