Union members understand the value of community.  One of the most fundamental reasons people join and participate in unions is because they know that whether it's at work, at home, or in our communities, we are all stronger - and happier - when we work together to make our lives better.  The members of AFT local 3497, the McFarland Federation of Teachers, put those values into action on March 17 by helping to provide a meal to McFarland residents through Shared Table.

Labor was out in full force at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis as the AFL-CIO held their annual legislative rally on Monday, March 21st, to promote and advance issues important to organized labor. There was a wide range of support from a cross section of labor unions. Electricians, steamfitters and plumbers, government employees, teachers, and health care professionals were among the many who were in attendance.

The City Union of Baltimore, Local #800 (CUB) chartered their retiree chapter, CUB-R, and held an immaculate reception to commemorate the occasion. CUB board members as well as current active members were in attendance. The event was held in the large conference room of the Baltimore Teachers Union. Retirees, AFT-Maryland staff, and AFT National Staff worked diligently to get chapter chartered and operating.

On Friday, January 22, 2016 Baltimore City experienced an unprecedented snow storm. Tamia Drayton, Office Service Clerk, employed by the Department of Assessments and Taxations (SDAT) braved the storm and reported to work. The Department of Budget and Management in anticipation of the storm issued a notice allowing the use of Administrative Leave from 1:00 P.M. until the close of their shift for non-essential employees. At 10:54 A.M.

http://sabea.ny.aft.org/files/march_newsletter_0.pdf

An Anniversary is a mile marker; a celebration or other commemerative ritual marking the date of an important event in the past.  The year 2016 marks the AFT 100th Anniversary Celebration (1916-2016) of "HonoringOur Past & Inspiring Our Future".

Colleagues,

Reminder: Eligible employees who retire effective July 1, 2016 or Aug. 1, 2016 and whose irrevocable separation-from-service forms are submitted to the DPS Human Resources Office no later than May 1, 2016 will be paid $35 for each unused day in their sick bank up to 100 days, and $45 for each unused day in their sick bank for day 101 to 200 for a maximum payout of $8,000. Payout of sick time upon retirement does not include a payout from the catastrophe bank. For a complete guide to retirement go to page 6 and 7 of [The Detroit Teacher - March 2016].