It is with deep regret that we must inform you that our dear member, Dr. Bill Anderson, has passed away. Dr. Anderson was truly a remarkable man. Dr. Anderson was one of the first African Americans to attend the Peabody Conservatory in the 1950s. He was an accomplished musician who played with such renowned entertainers such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Little Richard, Fats Domino, the Temptations, Jackie Wilson, and gospel artist Jeff Majors. He is best known for his talent as a saxophone player, but played a variety of musical instruments.

Moreover, Dr. Anderson was the epitome of caring and

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to our beloved sister, Christine M. Robertson, who passed away on November 12, 2017. Christine joined MCEA on May 1, 1971 and was a faithful hard working union member for over 46 years. Christine will be sorely missed by all that had the privilege to know her, and by those that benefited from her incredible talent, strength and efforts to improve the quality of life in the workplace for State workers. Your toil on this earth is done Christine, rest in heavenly peace, dear sister.

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. A new board of directors were selected as well and every officer left the convention intent on making a true commitment to direct MCEA to a brighter more prosperous path.

Among the featured speakers at the convention were AFT Secretary

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!

The employee was accused of pushing a subordinate and of inappropriately touching her. Upon a review of the video available and the employee’s testimony, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) concluded that the employee did not maliciously touch the

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.

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) concluded that the Department of Social Services violated applicable laws and regulations when it failed to comply with mandated pre-termination procedures, and when the Department did not allow the employee the full period required by law for the employee to improve her performance. The ALJ