On Wednesday, November 16, our state bargaining team met in-person with the State at the AFSCME Maryland office in Baltimore.
The State came with two counter proposals. First, they countered us on DPSCS bonuses but seemingly met us where we were. They have agreed to $500 bonuses for Field Training Officers (FTOs), which is something we have brought up repeatedly over the years. They also agreed to increase the weapons bonus to $1000. We plan to counter an ask for another cadre/range day.
The second counter focused on “uncapping” grade increases for Annual Salary Reviews (ASRs), reclasses, promotions, etc. They have agreed to give people 6% for a 1 grade increase and 12% for a two grade increase but only 15% and 18% for 3 and 4 grade increases, respectively. We plan to counter with 17.5% and 23.5% for grades 3 and 4, respectively, as well as a proposal of “uncapping” acting capacity pay.
We reminded the State that we are still owed a rebasing study regarding annual salary reviews (ASRs) as well as data regarding updated vacancy numbers, planned retirements, and PIN abolishments.
The State did provide us with demographic data for state employees, and we are working to analyze this information to check for any pay and job inequities based on race and gender.
Our next bargaining session is Wednesday, November 30 at the offices of DBM (Department of Budget and Management).
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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.