Federal immigration actions are rapidly expanding, with deadly consequences. The killings of poet Renee Nicole Good and nurse Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis have brought intense focus on the use of excessive force. An AFT webinar, co-hosted by AFT President Randi Weingarten and AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang on Jan. 28, featured experts on immigration and the law. It highlighted AFT resources and showcased how our locals are showing up to minimize fear and trauma.

After months of negotiations, BCPSS employees approved a union contract, which includes salary increases, improvements to work conditions, and employee recognition.

READ ON for the full press release, including quotes from CUB President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson and AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell.

The City Union of Baltimore and the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners have tentatively agreed to a one-year contract. The ratification vote is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026.

CUB representatives will be holding info sessions about the TA with BCPSS. EVERY BARGAINING UNIT MEMBER employed by Baltimore City School System is invited and urged to attend an informational meeting to find out more about what's in the tentative agreement. Info sessions will be open to all CUB-represented employees of BCPS, though only dues-paying members will be eligible to vote on the contract. 

CLICK THROUGH for more information about the TA, and the schedule of information sessions.

Paraprofessionals and school-related personnel are often overlooked because of their support roles. They are the last ones hired and often the first ones fired when budgets get tight. This certainly seems true right now as the Trump administration withholds nearly $7 billion in education funds, effective July 1, which has hamstrung summer school programs, hindered English language support, halted professional development this summer, and left before- and after-school programs in limbo for the coming school year.

Scarlett Ahmed has started counting the number of people sleeping outside the Queens Career Center in New York City when she arrives at work in the morning.

“It was already bad,” she said. “But this? This will just add to it.”

Attention Members at Baltimore City Public Schools:

Sick Leave Bank Enrollment has been EXTENDED until Tuesday evening, October 28, 2025.

All leave eligible employees who wish to maintain membership, or join the Sick Leave Bank with their union must elect to participate during the enrollment period for the 2024-2025 school year.

Click through for more information...