Despite the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has decided to cut hazard pay for state workers who are continuing to report to their jobs, reports AFSCME Maryland. “Although the state and AFSCME have been diligently working together, there is still major work to do to ensure Marylanders who come into contact with state services are safe,” said Patrick Moran, president of AFSCME Maryland. “The governor is being penny wise and pound foolish by cutting hazard pay to staff on the front lines in daily contact with the general public.” For some workers such as corrections and EMS staff, the union says that shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other resources already pose a challenge to their health and safety during this crisis. “Cutting hazard pay of these essential workers is yet another blow to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 response,” said the union.
