Salisbury City Council ends collective bargaining for city employees and first responders

SALISBURY, Md. — The Salisbury City Council voted Tuesday night to repeal the union ordinance in a 3-2 vote, effectively ending union representation for city employees.

In April, the Salisbury mayor’s office proposed eliminating the union because of mounting financial pressure in the fiscal year budget. Employees and community members filled the council chamber and spoke in opposition to the repeal, while one speaker voiced support.

As the vote was announced, community members walked out of the chamber and promised to launch a petition Wednesday morning. The petition would need 3,600 signatures to reverse the vote.

Councilwomen Angela Blake and Michele Gregory voted against the repeal, while Councilwomen April Jackson, Sharon Dashiell and Melissa D. Holland voted in favor of it.

WMDT will have an updated story on the meeting.