March 20, 2012 – Yesterday, Union members joined in Solidarity to fight back against legislation proposed by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz to avoid negotiations. In a 4-3 vote the legislation was opposed after AFSCME union leaders and state labor officials rallied outside the county courthouse. The bill would have stopped AFSCME members from including overtime in their pension calculations. Previous negotiations have written overtime as a part of pension calculations for over 30 years.

Since the legislation has been introduced AFSCME members have fought hard against County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and his allies from attempting union busting in Baltimore County. The victory was won when Council members voted and agreed that contract negotiations must be in place in order to bargain in good faith. AFSCME Local President Norman Anderson states; ” We are happy that we are going back to the table”.  AFSCME members will resume collective bargaining and willing negotiate any issues the County Executive may have regarding pension and retirement benefits.

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