6,000+ Signatures Submitted to put Collective Bargaining on Salisbury Ballot
Image Courtesy of Shore Progress
SALISBURY, Md. – Local organizers submitted more than six thousand signatures to the Wicomico County Board of Elections on Monday as part of the ongoing effort to put collective bargaining to a City vote this fall.
The Maryland branch of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) says turning in the votes marked the culmination of an incredible effort by workers, their unions, and members of Salisbury community to retain collective bargaining rights after it was overturned by the Salisbury City Council in a 3-2 vote at the end of May.
“Countless miles have been walked by advocates of this petition, through heat and rain, to collect the signatures we need to maintain our freedom to collectively bargain,” AFSCME Maryland said in a statement. “Thousands of Salisbury’s voters have made their voices heard through this petition effort, and it’s clear that the people of this community overwhelmingly support our city workers.”
The petition efforts were publicly criticized by Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor, who supported the overturning of the City’s union agreement due to financial concerns. Mayor Taylor took issue with the organization funding $180,000 to contract canvassers, in part from out of state. The mayor also alleged that canvassers were telling residents that the “Mayor/City has stolen money from the [Salisbury Fire Department] and given it to the [Salisbury Police Department (SPD)].” Taylor strongly condemned the alleged remarks, calling it a lie, reckless, divisive, saying the rumors have “no place in a serious conversation about public policy.”
Despite the criticism, many collective bargaining advocates are celebrating. In a message posted to social media, local political group Shore Progress said they were excited for the City to verify the petitions.
“The signatures delivered represent thousands of neighbors across Salisbury who believe that the people who answer our emergency calls, repair our streets, maintain our parks, and keep our city running deserve a voice in their workplace,” Shore Progress wrote. “Thank you to every person who signed, volunteered, and believed in this movement.”
“We look forward to moving on to the next stage of this process so that the voters of Salisbury can officially have their voices heard at the ballot box,” AFSCME Maryland concluded.
WMDT reached out to Mayor Taylor for comment on the submitted signatures.
