As a reminder, per our contract negotiations at the end of 2023, a longevity step increase will go into effect for those continuously employed since June 30, 2019. A step increase will also go into effect this month for state employees whose hire dates are between January and June.
We had two final bargaining sessions with the State on Wednesday, December 18 and Monday, December 30. Given the multi-billion-dollar deficit Maryland is facing this year, these bargaining sessions were tough.
After many rounds of proposals and counter-proposals, a majority of the AFSCME Maryland Bargaining Team (made up of AFSCME members who work for agencies across the state) voted to move forward with this final wage agreement.
The final agreement includes the following:
- A 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in July 2025
- One step increase that will go into effect in July 2025 or January 2026 depending on your hire date
- Those with a hire date between July 1 and December 31 will receive a step increase in July 2025.
- Those with a hire date between January 1 and June 30 will receive a step increase in January 2026.
- Two additional steps added to the top of the salary scale
- No furloughs between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 to cover the rest of this fiscal year and the next
- A provision regarding Maryland’s FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) program that states the State will cover all costs, including employee contributions, when they begin.
- All AFSCME-represented state employees will also be able to access FAMLI benefits at the time of hire once the program goes into effect.
- We were also able to maintain employee-to-employee leave donation and access to our leave bank in addition to this FAMLI program.
- An increase to the minimum wage on both the Standard Salary Scale and the Correctional Salary Schedule
You can see the final agreement as well as our full contract here on our website.
The AFSCME Maryland Bargaining Team fought hard for better pay, and throughout these sessions, we also held press conferences across the state to call attention to the dangerous understaffing in our state facilities. With the state budget deficit projected to be in the billions, our team fought to the end to find additional ways to retain state employees and compensate us fairly. While we did not win everything we wanted, we won some critical pieces, including language protecting us against furloughs.
Thank you to every member who helped make this agreement happen, whether it was serving on our bargaining team, sending a letter to our state leaders, or attending a press conference!
Our fight doesn’t end here. Maryland’s legislative session starts in just a few weeks, and this will be a critical time for us to speak with our legislators to continue fighting for the raises, resources, and policies we need. Together, we’re going to fight against any harmful cuts, raise additional state revenue to address the deficit, and get our legislative priorities passed — including legislation to protect us against workplace violence and legislation to help level the playing field with management during negotiations.
Sign up for a Lobby Night and read more about our legislative priorities on our website.