Our state bargaining met with the State virtually on Thursday, December 15 due to inclement weather and in-person at the AFSCME Maryland office on Tuesday, December 20.
In these past two sessions, we have been able to accomplish the following:
- Removing the arbitrary and unfair “capping” of grade increases as a result of annual salary reviews (ASRs), reclassifications, and promotions and for lead workers and new classifications. Each grade increase will now result in a 6% pay increase per grade.
- Securing a step increase for all bargaining unit members
- Eliminating the lowest step of the pay scale
- Doubling bilingual pay
We are still discussing additional ASRs for members across the state who are in positions that are severely short-staffed.
For DPSCS specifically, we are still negotiating bonuses for 2023 including a cadre bonus and an expansion of bonuses for Field Training Officers (FTOs).
We have decided on two more bargaining session dates for Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30.
As a reminder, the deadline to come to an agreement in our wage negotiations this year is Saturday, December 31. We are committed to using every opportunity we have to demand the pay increases we deserve from Governor Hogan’s outgoing administration.
It is also important to keep in mind that with a new administration and a General Assembly with new budgetary powers (because of a 2020 statewide ballot question), we have an opportunity to demand additional money in the state budget.
We are also holding Lobby Nights on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 PM. You can see the full schedule and sign up for a Lobby Night here.
We have an important opportunity in Annapolis to continue demanding the wage increases and additional resources we, our coworkers, and our workplaces deserve. Please check out the legislative session page on our website for additional opportunities to get involved.
NOTE: Access to bargaining is information is limited to bargaining unit employees (units A, B, C, D, F, and H). Be aware that details of proposals, counterproposals, and related discussions in closed collective bargaining sessions are private and confidential communications protected from unilateral public disclosure during collective bargaining negotiations under SPP § 3-501(e). Such details should not be made public while collective bargaining negotiations are taking place. The above materials in this post include details and therefore should not be circulated to the public or publicly.