The Maryland Classified Employees Association held their 82nd Annual Convention in Ocean City, MD during the second week of October. The convention featured notable state labor and political leaders as well as the important work of charting the course forward for MCEA. Elections were held at the convention and President Linda Day was once again re-elected.
Dear Union Brothers and Sisters,
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey which has brought untold suffering, destruction and devastation to the citizens of Texas, your help is desperately needed now. Although certainly our thoughts and our prayers are with those who have suffered through the aftermath, we need to do more to help those who have lost everything in life. Our fellow Americans have lost not only their homes and personal properties, they have also lost their jobs and even the bare essentials of human survival. Countless survivors are in disparate need of food, medicine, shelter and basic essentials. Can you imagine how it would be to wake up with only the clothes on your back? I cannot!
Ms. Shannon Morris, a Program Administrator for the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), was removed from her job in November, 2016 for allegedly pushing another employee and providing false statements to management about the incident. MCEA took Ms. Morris’ case to the Office of Administrative Appeals (OAH) and won her job back!
A Prince George’s County caseworker in the county’s Department of Social Services was terminated due to alleged negligent performance of her duties and being guilty of disreputable conduct. MCEA took her case before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) in May, 2016.
On Saturday, April 29, 2017, union delegates from across the state of Maryland attended our Statewide Advisory Meeting which was held at MCEA Headquarters. President Linda Day called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. The meeting was well attended but very somber due to the unexpected passing of Agnes Valenzia, MCEA Executive Vice President. Agnes had been a member of MCEA for over 30 years and was a great friend and a loyal advocate of MCEA.
It is with deep regret that MCEA announces the passing of one of our dear beloved members, Agnes Valenzia. Agnes joined the ranks of MCEA in the fall of 1985. Before the ink was dry on her MCEA membership card she began volunteering for different committees within her local chapter #022 at the MVA.