State workers prevail in fight against service cuts

Since mid-March, AFSCME Maryland has rallied against proposals from Governor Larry Hogan to cut public services. These cuts – including eliminating 5,000 jobs, instituting 5% permanent cuts to salaries and slashing employee health care – were held off the agenda during the July 1 Maryland Board of Public Works hearing following this sustained pressure from AFSCME members. This marked a huge win for AFSCME workers in protecting the vital public services that communities depend on during this time of crisis – including unemployment insurance, food stamps and other community-based services. “Maryland residents and employees deserve more resources and not less during this time of crisis,” said AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride. “That’s why we’ve got to stop these dangerous, unnecessary and immoral cuts. And,” she added, “we need federal aid to states and cities to fight the pandemic, reopen safely, and provide the services our communities need.” Read more.