On Friday, November 4, our state bargaining team met virtually with DBM (Department of Budget and Management) about our economic reopener.
The state team was unprepared and did not have any new or counter proposals. Furthermore, they also failed to provide timely information regarding the demographics of the state workforce as well as the history of PIN abolishment dating back to 2015 that we requested in our October negotiation meeting. These delay tactics are unacceptable, and we have reminded the state team that they need to provide us with timely answers.
Our team provided two new proposals to DBM at this session. First, we set out to improve the holiday pay policy so that anyone working on a holiday or pre-scheduled holiday receives double time. Additionally, we provided management a proposal to reward staff longevity by providing multiple increments/steps based on years of service to the state.
Our next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th at the AFSCME Maryland offices in Baltimore.
Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved. We will need as many of our voices and stories about what we’re experiencing in our workplaces to ensure that DBM and the State do not ignore the concerns we’re bringing to the table.
If you are not an AFSCME member, you can become part of our movement here.
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.