Maryland State Workers Demand Increased Staffing, Pay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – State workers in Maryland are demanding Gov. Larry Hogan’s administration provide better working conditions, including pay and staffing increases.

The Washington Post reports hundreds of workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 3 protested outside the Maryland State House in Annapolis Wednesday night. The union represents more than 20,000 state workers and has repeatedly criticized Hogan’s administration for issues including staff shortages.

It filed an unfair labor practices claim against the administration last week. Union members say workers are leaving because of low pay and unusually high workloads. The president of AFSCME Council 3, Patrick Moran, says the provided cost-of-living adjustments aren’t enough.

Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse says the administration has been negotiating with the union and protests “are an unfortunate setback.”