ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today attended the 2024 AFSCME Maryland Biennial Convention in College Park. During the convention, the governor delivered remarks and met directly with members to learn more about how the State of Maryland can strengthen ties and support for organized labor in industries across the state.

"In this decade, we will be Maryland Strong because we will be Union Strong," said Gov. Moore. "Gone are the days where the State House works in constant and aggressive opposition to labor leadership and state employees. This administration is making the active choice to move in partnership with AFSCME – and that is exactly what we will continue to do."

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees-known as AFSCME-represents nearly 45,000 workers in Maryland, including workers in local and state government and workers in education, health care, law enforcement, and corrections. Through collective bargaining, the union negotiates contracts with the state to determine workers’ salary, benefits, and health and safety working conditions

In partnership with AFSCME, the Moore-Miller Administration has made significant progress in defining Maryland as the state that serves. This year, Maryland became the first state to implement a heat stress standard on the East Coast. The governor also signed legislation to extend collective bargaining rights to more than 7,000 state supervisors and public library workers, advancing efforts to reduce vacancies in state government positions.

“Every two years, AFSCME local leaders representing 45,000 workers from every jurisdiction across Maryland convene to help shape our future,” said AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran. “We’re thrilled that this future includes a partnership with Governor Moore to protect public services, ensure safe and healthy working environments, and expand collective bargaining rights to grow Maryland’s middle class.”

The Moore-Miller Administration has long shown commitment to and support for organized labor in Maryland. In addition to AFSCME, Maryland Professional Employees Council (MPEC), American Federation of Teachers - Maryland (AFT) Teamsters, and the American Federation of Teachers Maryland School for the Deaf represent the state’s four major civilian employee labor unions. In March, Governor Moore signed five three-year memoranda of understanding to start a new chapter in the State’s commitment to moving in partnership with union leaders. 

The event marked the first time in nearly a decade that the state and union partners memorialized and celebrated new contract terms. Milestone negotiations resulted in increased wages and enhanced pay equity; increased military and uniformed service leave; and additional rights and protections including improved employee privacy standards and enhanced workforce development.