(The Center Square) – Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has signed new labor agreements with three first responder state employee unions.
The agreements, announced Thursday, were reached between the state and unions representing Maryland state police, state law enforcement officers and emergency medical services personnel. The contracts include wage increases, improved benefits, and changes aimed at strengthening recruitment and retention efforts.
“At a time when we are watching attacks on public sector workers, in Maryland we are protecting our people,” said Moore. “Today’s agreements ensure that firefighters and police officers receive the benefits they’ve earned, and affirm our commitment to organized labor and working people everywhere.”
The agreement comes as Maryland faces a budget shortfall following years of financial challenges. Former governor Larry Hogan previously stated that when he left office, Maryland had $5.5 billion in financial reserves. He claimed that Moore had inherited a “fortunate financial position,” but that has since been lost, leading to a projected $2.95 billion budget shortfall.
Maryland’s first responder agencies have faced staffing shortages over the last few years, with officials citing challenges in hiring and keeping qualified personnel.
“I would like to thank Governor Moore and his administration for helping us to achieve a contract that we could be proud of in the midst of extremely difficult financial times,” said BWI Airport Professional Firefighters- IAFF Local 1742 President Christian Rejonis.
Labor unions include BWI Airport Professional Firefighters-International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1742; Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 34-Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA/FOP); and the State Law Enforcement Officers Labor Alliance (SLEOLA).
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 34 President Jim Kruszynski said in a statement,“On behalf of our membership, I extend my profound gratitude for our relationship with the Governor and his administration. True to his word, Governor Moore has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to maintaining an open, receptive, and transparent approach in his dealings with the Fraternal Order of Police throughout this process—a stance I sincerely appreciate.”
