After a day “packed with ballots and enthusiasm,” and nearly a year of negotiations, AFSCME 1072 union members on the UMD College Park campus last week voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new contract. The deal provides a 2% raise next year, guarantees parking for early morning shifts, and includes a commitment to protect TPS workers’ benefits and employment. “We’re plumbers, office workers, and housekeepers facing off against highly paid administrators and lawyers,” Local 1072 president Dawn Jackson (right) told Union City. “A small group of people can make these tremendous changes… [and] we got the best contract possible.” Union members blocked several management proposals, including the right to unlimited parking fee increases and the elimination of ESL classes. Click here to read more.