Delegates from theCity Union of Baltimore joined hundreds of locals from around the country at the AFT National Convention in Los Angeles, California July 10-14, 2014.

Convention delegates attended workshops and meetings, served as participants on committees that make recommendations regarding amendments and resolutions to the AFT Constitution and Bylaws, vote on issues related to public services, education, political action, human rights, women’s rights, collective bargaining, labor and economy, and health. Delegates also vote on proposed dues increases. This event allows CUB to have a unified

City Union of Baltimore representatives Antoinette Ryan-Johnson, Diane Elliott, Maxine Holmes, and Pauline Fayall attended the Paraprofessional and School Related Personnel (PSRP) conference in Orlando, Florida, April 10-13, 2014. Committed to “Reclaim the Promise” they attended multiple workshops, participated in group activities, gathered information and resources to share with members and the community. This annual event sponsored by the AFT proved beneficial to all.

It is CUB’s commitment to continually provide its stewards with the tools, resources and information necessary to better serve its members. In this effort, training was provided to the stewards on May 8, 2014. The training, conducted by Delores Powell, Executive Assistant and assisted by Janell Edmonds, AFT-Maryland and Maxine Holmes, labor representative focused on the roles and responsibilities of the union steward. The “Labor History” was presented by AFT Staff member Amy Buhruth. This was just the beginning of ensuring the stewards are well qualified, equipped and eager to provide quality

Article 9 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) states: “Disciplinary action may be imposed upon employees only for just cause.” What is “just cause”? In 1962, an arbitration case set the precedent for determining whether discipline is warranted. This case, “Enterprise Wire Co, 46LA362” established 7 tests or standards for “just cause” as follows:

1. NOTICE – Does the employee know of the rule, was he forewarned or had knowledge of the rule and the consequences for violating such rule?
2. REASONABLE RULE – Is the rule reasonably related to the efficient, orderly and safe operation of the employer’s

The City Union of Baltimore has taken a stand of “Reclaiming the Promise.” The Promise of America is under attack. Consequently, public services are being privatized, defunded, and deprofessionalized by our government; salaries are being cut, pensions raided, employees are being forced to do more with less.

Our communities are the sufferer of this attack. Public employees provide quality services to our communities, as they have for some time; they provide education, quality drinking water, protect the citizens of Baltimore, keep streets clean, develop and maintain the infrastructure, provide

Members of the City Union of Baltimore, their families and friends enjoyed AFL-CIO Night at Camden Yards. Our Orioles lost to the Toronto Blue Jays and there was a rain delay, but all in all, it was a fun time.

The cost of tickets was $6.00, $1.00 of which was donated to the AFL-CIO food bank. Ticket sales produced $26,000 in donations to the food bank.

Ernie Greco, President of the Metro Council AFL-CIO, concerned that all the members were not able to take advantage of reduced price tickets, requested that Mr. Peter Angelos, owner of the Orioles, grant the AFL-CIO additional games at the same