Welcome to this week’s Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Legislative Update!
As the General Assembly session moves full steam ahead, we’re keeping you in the loop and—more importantly—making sure labor’s voice is front and center where decisions are made.
This weekly update will highlight key dates, opportunities to engage, and ways you and your members can directly impact legislation that affects working people across Maryland and DC.
Join Us for Weekly Lobbying Meetings Our weekly lobbying meetings kick off Monday, January 26 at 5:30 PM, and we strongly encourage in-person attendance. Why? Because being in the room matters—and yes, there’s FOOD. 🍕
If you truly can’t make it in person, you’re welcome to reach out for a Zoom link. Email Elizabeth Bobo at ebobo@mddclabor.org to get a link. Please note: Zoom attendance is pretty much listen-only and allows very limited participation in the discussion.
Mark Your Calendars This year, we are maintaining a Google calendar with all key legislative dates, hearings, and events so you don’t have to guess what’s coming next. You can find it here: 👉 https://mddclabor.org/maryland-state-legislative-calendar-0
Need more guidance on testifying? Contact Elizabeth Bobo at ebobo@mddclabor.org.
And don’t miss Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Union Night on March 9. This is labor's rally. Labor speaking to labor. All affiliates are strongly encouraged to attend and bring as many members as possible. This is about showing strength in numbers—uplifting our collective voices so state decision-makers remember exactly who we are when they vote on issues impacting labor.
Bottom line: show up, bring your members, and help remind Annapolis that labor is organized, engaged, and paying attention.
Unity, Solidarity, and Action at Labor’s 2026 MLK Jr. Conference
More than 1,500 union activists from across the region gathered at the Baltimore Hilton Convention Center for the 2026 AFL-CIO MLK Jr. Annual Conference, a powerful weekend rooted in solidarity, justice, and collective action.
Opening the conference, Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO President Donna S. Edwards welcomed the 1,500-plus attendees with a clear and urgent message: our unity, our solidarity, and speaking with one voice are both our shield and our weapon. President Edwards reminded union members that organized labor plays a critical role in beating back hatred and reclaiming our democracy — but only if we stand together and stay engaged.
Secretary-Treasurer Sam Epps IV also attended the conference. He participated in an immigration panel and spoke directly to the importance of front-line solidarity. Emphasizing labor’s responsibility beyond the shop floor, Epps told attendees, “Labor needs to show up and stay engaged with our community partners.” His remarks underscored the essential connection between worker power, immigrant justice, and coalition-building across movements.
Labor’s MLK Conference continues to be a reminder that progress is not passive. It requires showing up, speaking out, and standing shoulder to shoulder — not just today, but every day.
Opening Day of Session Begins with AFSCME & Building Trades Joining In Solidarity Urging Lawmakers to Fully Fund State Services
On the first day of the 2026 Legislative session, President Donna S. Edwards joined AFSCME Maryland President Patrick Moran, members from AFSCME, Mike McHale, IBEW Local 24 business manager, and other members of the Building Trades at a start-of-session press conference. Speaking about the real challenges workers face amid short-sighted funding and public service pressures, the coalition — joined by supportive legislators and concerned allies — stood united in one clear demand: fully fund and fully resource state employees and the public services Marylanders rely on.
Upcoming Events
Weekly Labor Lobbying Meetings 🗓 Monday, January 26 🕠 5:30 PM 📍 In Person (preferred — yes, there’s food!) Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO Headquarters, 7 School Street, Annapolis, MD 💻 Zoom available upon request (mostly listen-only) These meetings are your chance to stay informed, coordinate strategy, and make sure labor’s priorities are heard loud and clear during the legislative session.
Union Night in Annapolis 🗓 Monday, March 9 📍 Maryland State House All affiliates are strongly encouraged to attend and bring as many members as possible. Union Night is about visibility, solidarity, and reminding state decision-makers exactly who working people are—and how many of us there are.
Legislative Hearings & Key Dates 🗓 Ongoing throughout the session Stay up to date with hearings, deadlines, and important legislative moments by checking our online calendar: 👉 https://mddclabor.org/maryland-state-legislative-calendar-0
📬 Stay Connected. Stay Union Strong.
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