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PRESS RELEASE
Baltimore City Community College Full-Time Faculty Form a Union, Second College in a Week to Join AFT and Advocate for Fair Treatment and Improved Conditions
Baltimore, MD — October 2, 2024 — For the second time in a week, the full-time faculty at Baltimore City Community College have united to form a union, joining United Academics of Maryland, AFT-AAUP. In the past twelve months, over 1000 full-time faculty at the campuses of Howard, Fredrick, Prince George, Hagerstown, Chesapeake, and the Community College of Baltimore County have come together to address long-standing issues with leadership and advocate for enhanced working conditions. This collective effort seeks to ensure faculty freedom, promote shared governance, and secure fair treatment, better wages, and respect.
The decision to form a union follows ongoing concerns with exciting changes to the K-12 program by offering dual enrollment which opens higher education courses to high school students, and its impact on the faculty’s ability to effectively support and educate students. The newly established union is committed to creating an environment where faculty voices are integral to decision-making processes, fostering transparency, and driving improvements that benefit both educators and students.
“The faculty at BCCC have worked long and hard to organize this union,” said Angelique Cook-Hayes, a professor of English. “This historic milestone will ensure that the high quality instruction that we provide to our students and the Baltimore community will continue with a strong foundation moving forward. Faculty can now have the true representation and due process that will allow us to better meet the needs of our students!”
“On behalf of union members across the state, I’m thrilled to welcome the faculty of BCCC into AFT Maryland,” said Kenya Campbell, president of AFT Maryland. “With a union, they’ll have a stronger voice to advocate for fair treatment and for the needs of their students. The work that these dedicated educators do every day has never been more important and we are proud to support them.”
Key goals of the union include:
- Faculty Freedom: Ensuring that faculty have the autonomy to teach and contribute to academic programs without undue interference.
- Shared Governance: Establishing a framework where faculty are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect the college’s operations and educational strategies.
- Improved Working Conditions: Addressing issues related to workload, resources, and support to create a more effective and supportive teaching environment.
- Fair Treatment and Respect: Ensuring that faculty receive equitable compensation and recognition for their contributions.
AFT is the largest higher education union in the country, representing over 400,000 faculty and staff across the country. Over 70% of all unionized faculty are members of the AFT. In Maryland, AFT MD members are found on over 8 community colleges and is a strong advocate in Annapolis for faculty rights and protections.
The union’s formation is a pivotal step towards transforming the college into a more collaborative and respectful institution. By working together, the faculty aim to create a better working environment that ultimately enhances student success and community engagement.
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