A union representing thousands of Baltimore City workers last week voted to ratify a new contract, including salary increases, stronger benefits, and workplace safety improvements.
The City Union of Baltimore, Local 800, is the largest union representing Baltimore City employees and an affiliate of AFT Maryland.
After nine months of negotiations between the union and city leadership, 94.5% of union members voted in favor of the new contract.
“Baltimore is not the city it is without its workers – their dedication cannot be overstated, and their contributions should never be undervalued,” City Union of Baltimore President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson said in a statement. “The workers who show up for this city every single day have earned every bit of this, and then some.”
City employees will see their wages increase by an average of 21% over three years, according to union officials.
The contract expands the pay scale from four tiers to 25 steps, which union officials say is meant to ensure fairer and more equitable pay for city employees. In addition to increases from that new pay scale, the new agreement also secures a 2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment in each of the final two years of the contract and creates more transparent pathways for promotions.
Workers will also see increased hazard pay and meal allowances.
Baltimore City employees in supervisory and safety roles will receive 30 hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training. Workers will also be able to raise and address safety concerns to a new Workplace Safety Committee.
“Our city workers are the backbone of Baltimore – and this agreement honors that, delivering historic wage increases, stronger protections, and the voice they have always deserved,” AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell said in a statement. “They never stop showing up for this city. They have earned a contract reflective of their commitment.”
