Posts tagged Baltimore
Union panel rules Baltimore IG interfered in election, orders new vote
October 29, 2025 // A union election will be overturned and rerun as a result of social media posts from Baltimore Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming that interfered with the process, a judicial panel for the union ruled this week. The 10-member panel, which oversees the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees on an international basis, found that Cumming’s tweets, some of which were sent just days before the Aug. 23 officer election for Local 44, constituted “an act of interference” and an endorsement, regardless of the intent behind them.
Baltimore City Community College staff demand ‘fair’ and timely wages
September 12, 2025 // After rallying for about 25 minutes, faculty and supporters walked to the administration building to deliver a list of demands to College President Debra McCurdy. They were greeted instead by Michael Thomas, the vice president of workforce development and continuing education, who took the list from Ryan Castle, AFT Maryland higher ed organizer, before everyone left the lobby. The list of requests includes: Timely and accurate pay for all faculty, including overload and adjunct work; Transparent communication and accountability from BCCC administration; Hiring and staffing solutions to fill vacant courses and reduce student impact; and Support for all faculty and respect for collective bargaining rights.
Baltimore union leadership faces shake-up as DPW workers push for change
August 26, 2025 // AFSCME Local 44 represents employees at several city agencies, including the Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, and Department of Transportation. Several DPW previously voiced their frustration with Local 44 over safety conditions within the agency and their pay. “The Union, we don't have a union. You know, we really, really don't because they totally aren't 100% for us,” said Reginald Nobel during a previous interview with FOX45 News. “Yeah, they're totally for their self.
City security guards protest ‘unfair labor practices,’ ‘shoddy work conditions’
July 21, 2025 // Workers said they are prepared to strike as early as next week if the company isn't willing to negotiate. They laid out their demands in a rally on Tuesday, July 15, at city hall. "We think that a company that gets $45 million from the city since 2017 should be able to do better for the workers and the people of Baltimore who actually fill those contracts," said Jaime Contreres, the executive vice president of labor union 32BJ.
Supreme Court clears way for Trump to downsize the federal workforce
July 10, 2025 // The labor unions and nonprofit groups that sued over the downsizing offered the justices several examples of what would happen if it were allowed to take effect, including cuts of 40% to 50% at several agencies. Baltimore, Chicago and San Francisco were among cities that also sued. “Today’s decision has dealt a serious blow to our democracy and puts services that the American people rely on in grave jeopardy. This decision does not change the simple and clear fact that reorganizing government functions and laying off federal workers en masse haphazardly without any congressional approval is not allowed by our Constitution,” the parties that sued said in a joint statement.
Unions, cities, nonprofits sue to block Trump workforce cuts
May 1, 2025 // Musk has tempered his original goal for DOGE to slash $1 trillion from government spending, saying this month it was on track to cut $150 billion this year. The Trump administration has faced more than 200 lawsuits challenging its policies, with a significant number calling the president's directives unconstitutional. The case is American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO et al v Trump et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 25-03698.
Anne Arundel Community College professors unionize for more clarity, structure
April 1, 2025 // The union, called Riverhawk Educators United, earned recognition from the state employee relations board late last week with 62% of faculty in support. Now, the group will start negotiating its first official contract. Nicole Williams, chair of the human services department, said she’s hoping the union will bring more structure and clarity. “We have policies, but we need more policies. There's structure, but we need more structure,” Williams told WYPR.
Contentious labor strike at Perryville Ikea Distribution Center ends after more than two months
January 23, 2025 // After more than two months, a worker's strike at the Ikea Distribution Center in Cecil County has come to an end. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM - Local I460 - District 4) ratified a new labor contract for about 320 members.
Costco’s unionized workers vote to authorize a strike
January 20, 2025 // Costco workers affiliated with the Teamsters union have voted in favor of going on strike. The strike will start if no deal is reached by the January 31 deadline. Teamsters president Sean O'Brien has pledged to win "the strongest contract in Costco's history."
Ascension St. Agnes Hospital Nurses Demand Vote to Remove NNOC/NNU Union Officials
November 19, 2024 // Requested vote would take place in unit of roughly 600 nurses; similar efforts also taking place in New York and New Jersey