Local labor union reacts to statewide agreement

SALISBURY, Md. – The president of a local union is speaking out less than a week after Governor Larry Hogan reached a deal with state unions.

The agreement that was announced on January 2nd with AFSCME will give members of the union a cost of living adjustment raise and potentially a bonus. The two sides agreed to a two-percent cost of living increase that goes into effect January 1, 2021. Also included in the deal is a one time bonus of $500 if the current fiscal year exceeds projection by $75 million.

“If we get what we agreed upon then hopefully it will help retain more staff along with other things. The more staff, the more pay looks favorable. And it’ll make people want to come work for the state of Maryland in the fields that we service. But that’s not just the end of the fight because we deserve more,” says Christine Duffy, the President of AFSCME Local 1081.

Duffy also emphasized the important of taking care of the people that serve the communities we all live in.