News

Another MCEA Win at Salisbury University

Contract rules matter—and MCEA makes sure they are followed!

When Salisbury University delayed processing Kelly Hickey's timely reclassification request (using a later freeze as an excuse), MCEA fought back. Thanks to our advocacy, Kelly just received $2,931 in retroactive back pay she rightfully earned.

MTA Win! - MCEA Stands Strong: Bus Field Inspector Wins Four Days of Back Pay

When MTA management sent MCEA member Yvonne Selby home and then denied her pay, she refused to face the fight alone. Backed by MCEA, Ms. Selby challenged the AWOL designation through every step of the grievance process. After a hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings, a judge ruled in her favor and ordered MTA to compensate her for four days of lost wages. Read how perseverance, representation, and union solidarity delivered justice.

Salisbury University Win!

When Salisbury University tried to deny a hard-working employee the compensation he earned during a snow closure, MCEA stepped in. After a grievance was filed and the case advanced toward a hearing, the University reversed course and made things right. Read how union advocacy ensured Brian Campbell received the benefits guaranteed under the MOU.

Carroll County Win!

CARROLL COUNTY WIN!

Under Carroll County Code, Maryland employment law and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees must be compensated for the work and

duties for which they are qualified and perform, regardless of administrative tag. Unfortunately, that was not what was happening to Mr. Travis

Gouker, an employee of Carroll County Government and a proud member of MCEA Council #550.

Having passed the requisite Wastewater Collection System license exam and having completed the required experience on the job, Mr. Gouker was

excited to receive his pay increase after all his hard work. He

It is with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude that we remember Ruth Ogle, a woman whose integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Ruth served as President of MCEA Council 1935 with strength, fairness, and determination, always advocating fiercely for the members she represented. She believed that every employee deserved to be heard, treated with dignity, and represented honestly. Her reputation for fairness and trustworthiness extended far beyond the workplace and...

Read on for more.

Dear Members! MCEA is moving forward with confidence and poise! We are partnering with our longtime insurance provider, RK Tongue, to offer a $20 gift to all current members who recruit a new member to MCEA between August 1 and December 31, 2026.

If you and your colleage discuss MCEA membership and they join, please send your name, the name of the colleague you recruited, and the bargaining unit to which you belong to info@mcea.org. We will get back to you with next steps.

Grievance Win!

On December 8, 2025, Lisa Bryant O'Day, an employee of the District Court of Maryland, was issued with a Three Day leave forfetiure/suspension for alledged failure to perform the essential functions of her position. She turned to her Union MCEA for assistance.

Read on for more!

Growing Our Union

In the new year, our elected Executive Board established our goals for the year as a union.

Over the past year, MCEA has grown to support new workers in the new professions, and we have welcomed two new councils to our ranks.

As a result, we are ready to grow in our power together. As individuals, there are real limits on what any one person can accomplish. However, as a union, we are all stronger together.

Our goal in 2026 is to grow our membership, and as a result, we will be launching several new programs to strengthen our union and speak out on the issues that matter to us.

Council Spotlight: UMCES

Congratulations to the staff of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), who ratified their most recent union Contract!

UMCES staff do the work on the ground to ensure that cutting-edge research on our environment can continue. JWorkers won faster annual leave accreal, increased on-call pay, an extra holiday, and much more. With the power of a union, you and your coworkers can make a real difference.

Remembering MCEA Member, Del. Larry Kump

This month, we remember longtime MCEA member, retired DPSCS correctional employee trainer, and former West Virginia member of the House of Delegates, Larry Kump, who passed away on March 1st, 2026. A loyal and active union member, we remember him for his service to the State of Maryland and to his union. We thank him for his advocacy to include behavioral and mental health professionals in the 20-year correctional officers retirement plan. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.