On Wednesday, December 7, we had our 3rd full bargaining session with the University System of Maryland (USM) and met virtually.
Since late August, we have met with the USM four times, including the December 7 meeting. Over the course of these sessions, we have accomplished the following:
- At the August 24 bargaining session, we started the process of laying out our ground rules for our system-wide negotiations.
- At the November 2 bargaining session, we finalized ground rules for our negotiations. These ground rules give our bargaining team the opportunity to better prepare for bargaining and meet for full days with the University System. We also gave our initial proposals about the scope of the agreement as well as protecting all workers’ civil and union rights.
- At the December 7 bargaining session, we proposed language around the following:
- Safeguarding work schedules
- Rules for compensatory time and overtime
- Flexible scheduling
- Seniority
- Union rights and steward rights
- Retirement benefits
- Tuition remission
- Probationary periods and rules of probation
- Preventing contracting out/privatization and making sure contingent contractual employees are given PINS so they are able to have benefits
We have a lot of remaining things to bargain, and we are expecting bargaining sessions to continue throughout the first half of 2023, if not longer.
This time around, the bargaining process is unique because we are currently working on one unified contract for the entire University System of Maryland (USM). Because we spoke out and took action at last year’s legislative session, we were able to see our state legislators override Governor Hogan’s veto and successfully pass a bill that allows us to bargain one strong master contract instead of individual contracts for every USM campus.
Our bargaining priorities are centered around:
- Protecting our rights in the workplace and on the job
- Fighting for raises that will allow us to recruit and retain quality staff
- Demanding respect from the USM so they treat their employees with dignity and stop undercutting our rights
This is an incredibly important opportunity for us to demand a strong contract that improves every single one of our campuses, but our ability to win the contract we want — whether it’s better pay, more flexible leave policies, clean and safe workplaces, and more — depends on how united and strong we are. The Board of Regents and the University System has a history of ignoring our voices. They will try to diminish our individual concerns, but together, we can show them that we are serious about winning the workplace improvements we have earned and deserve.
Fill out this form to let us know what you’re willing to do to help us win a strong contract. From simply talking to your coworkers to testifying at the state legislature, every action helps us win what we deserve!
If you are not currently an AFSCME member, you can become one here. As an AFSCME member, you get to help us decide future bargaining priorities and vote on future agreements.