Union Calls on University Board to Reevaluate Employee Layoffs

On Friday, over 100 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) gathered outside the University System of Maryland Board of Regents meeting in Baltimore, urging university leadership to reverse recent layoffs affecting employees at state campuses.

The rally was organized in response to the University of Maryland, College Park's decision to lay off 73 union members, alongside 21 layoffs at Bowie State University. Additionally, the union reported at least one layoff notice from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Emily Leak, a former integrated care specialist at College Park, voiced her concerns during the rally, stating, "I’m not sure why we’re being laid off when there’s other options that they could have explored, and we’re really angry about it." She emphasized the impact of these layoffs on mental health services for students, highlighting the need for more support at the University Health Center.

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) joined the rally, stating that a referendum on the November 3 general election ballot aims to prevent similar layoffs in the future. This measure is part of the Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act of 2026, which would introduce a neutral arbitrator in labor disputes involving state workers.

Ferguson also mentioned that the fiscal 2027 budget includes provisions for raises and cost-of-living increases for university system employees. However, USM spokesperson Michael Sandler clarified that while a 1.5% cost-of-living increase was approved for all 40,000 employees, merit pay remains unfunded.

Sandler attributed the layoffs to budget challenges stemming from a 10% reduction in state funding and rising costs due to inflation and changes in federal policies affecting research funding. He noted that these factors have led to significant financial strain on the university system.

Bowie State University echoed these concerns, acknowledging the layoffs while expressing empathy for the affected employees and their families.

AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran criticized the decision to lay off employees, questioning why the university system did not explore cuts to expensive vendor contracts instead. He urged the Board of Regents to reconsider their approach, emphasizing the need to protect working-class employees.

As the rally concluded, union members expressed their determination to continue fighting against the layoffs, chanting, "USM, do what’s right! Maryland staff are ready to fight!"

Reported by HarborBeat based on Maryland Matters (source).