FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Feldman Strategies, team@feldmanstrategies.com
January 23, 2026
Baltimore City School System Employees Vote Over 95% to Ratify Union Contract
After months of negotiations, BCPSS employees approved a union contract, which includes salary increases, improvements to work conditions, and employee recognition
BALTIMORE – Baltimore City Public School System Employees, represented by the City Union of Baltimore, Local 800 – an affiliate of AFT Maryland – have overwhelmingly ratified their union contract, voting over 95% in favor, with the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, which includes salary increases and improvements to working conditions, benefits, quality of life, and employee recognition.
The contract delivers wage increases of up to 3.5%, preserves all current health, pension, and leave benefits with no concessions, and includes key reforms to employee pathways and job classifications that strengthen fairness and transparency.
“Our BCPSS workers show unwavering dedication to the school system on which so many rely, but they can only go so far without being properly supported and empowered by the City Board of School Commissioners,” said City Union of Baltimore President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson. “This agreement makes that possible. When we invest in and support the workers who make our Baltimore City School System run, our communities can thrive.”
The agreement strengthens professional advancement by establishing clear, evaluation-based pathways for progression and creating new stipend opportunities that recognize and support BCPSS employees for their continued dedication and contributions.
“This agreement is a critical step in recognizing the workers who support the Baltimore City School System every day,” said AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell. “Strengthening stability and demonstrating respect for workers through fair compensation builds a stronger school system for our whole community.”
After months at the negotiating table, employees at BCPSS have ratified the contract that delivers the wages, benefits, and protections workers deserve.
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