It is with my deepest regret that I announce the passing of Brother Allen D. Robinson. Bro. Robinson serviced the citizens of Baltimore as a dedicated employee, executive vice president, COPE and Social Committee Chair for the City Union of Baltimore (CUB) Local #800, AFL-CIO. Bro. Allen was a dear friend to all in our union and labor movement.
The Baltimore city Mayor has announced privatization efforts that would result in more than 60 Baltimore city employees losing their jobs. The City Union of Baltimore issued the following statement in response.
Baltimore, MD - CUB is baffled at the Mayor's decision to lay off more than five dozen DPW employees. Our members provide a vital service to the city and we are blindsided by this decision. Ultimately, the decision invites more questions than it does provide answers. One question we have is why our members who were on permission leave on account of the Coronavirus, were not put back to work with the necessary personal protective equipment, to provide accurate and timely readings for Baltimore city and county residents. Once health officials provided guidance as to how to resume some activities with precaution and safety, our members were ready to work. However, this administration ...
AFT President Randi Weingarten’s latest column outlines the urgency of using our voices—our votes—in this life-changing election, when we will make a choice “between President Donald Trump, who has trafficked in chaos, fear, lies and division, and former Vice President Joe Biden, who seeks to reverse Trump’s failures on COVID-19 and the economy, and to unite and uplift the American people.” Besides the four crises we face—a pandemic, an economic crisis, racism and a climate emergency—democracy itself is on the ballot, as Trump continues to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election.
In her September New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten says that going back to school has never looked like it does now. Weingarten explains that because of President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus, which has been chaotic, contradictory and inept, and the lack of federal guidance and funding, we’re seeing a patchwork of school reopening plans across the country.
CUB MEMBERS & CITY EMPLOYEES: Times are unquestionably difficult for us all. There's an added burden if you're trying to pay college tuition during this time. Nationwide and the City of Baltimore Retirement Savings Plan & Deferred Compensation Plan has a scholarship opportunity for young people whose parents or grandparents are city employees that meet the qualifications. Take a look at the flyer and see if your young scholar is eligible for one of the scholarships.
Application deadline is July 15, 2020. Click here for application form. See flyer or text below for more details.
The City Union of Baltimore continues to try to protect members as best as possible while they continue to provide essential services to the citizens of Baltimore. President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson and organizer Janell Edmonds made drop offs of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to two locations where members are still on the job.