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.
MCEA is on strong footing financially and we will continue to utilize our resources in a cost effective manner while at the same time providing the quality of service that our members expect and deserve. A major topic of discussion was recruitment efforts and future opportunities for the growth of MCEA. Currently an organizing campaign is underway at Towson University to become the exclusive bargaining agent for the non-exempt employees. Our organization must continue to seek out new opportunities while continuing to shore up those which currently exist. Since our early beginnings we have represented State, County and Municipal employees only. Our Bylaws now provide us the ability to gain collective bargaining units in the private sector. MCEA members are strongly encouraged to seek out workers in those private sector jobs who want to have a better quality of life in the workplace. We have made a difference in the lives of our existing members and now is the time to make a difference for all working men and women in Maryland. If you know of someone in the private sector who wants better working conditions in the workplace, share with them our never ending story and have them contact us for our assistance.
A special thanks to Mr. Cleveland L. Horton II, Deputy Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights who provided everyone in attendance with training on discrimination and harassment in the workplace and beyond.
This years' Convention will be held at the Holiday Inn, located at 66th Street and Oceanside and is scheduled for October 9, 10 and 11. This year our Convention theme will be "Preparing for the Journey Ahead". This years' theme is very appropriate as we will continue to move forward by seizing opportunities in an effort to maintain and grow our membership and to provide a bright future for MCEA. We have a great lineup of informative and festive activities scheduled for this years' Convention which includes guest speaker Dr. Reverend, Alvin C. Hathaway, senior pastor of the Union Baptist Church, Presidents reception and dinner dance featuring a comedian, a DJ playing 60's and 70's music with karaoke and line dancing . We ask that you participate in the fun by calling Karen at the Salisbury Office to sign up to sing individually or by groups.