AFSCME 3 Wins 3% Pay Raise for State Employees

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Streetheat – even drenched – works. Members of AFSCME 3 celebrated last week after the Maryland Assembly closed out its session with a vote to fully fund the 3% pay raise and step increases the union had negotiated for state employees. Members had rallied in Annapolis in late March (Rain Does Not Deter MD State and University Workers 3/20/2013 UC) to demand that state lawmakers fulfill their side of the deal. The grassroots pressure appears to have paid off, said AFSCME 3 President Patrick Moran. "Funding the fair, three percent raise our members negotiated is important," he said, "because it shows respect for the vital services state and university employees provide for all Marylanders." - report by Mariya Strauss; photo courtesy AFSCME Local 3