Read more about the article Newest Department of Labor Report Shows Job Growth
Labor
Newest Department of Labor Report Shows Job Growth

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released state jobs and unemployment data on Monday. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland gained 8,200 jobs in January, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.0%. The Leisure and Hospitality sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 4,500 jobs. Other sectors adding jobs include: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (3,100); Private Education and Health Services (2,900); Government (2,200); Information (1,000); Other Services (800);…

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March 15, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Request Financial Support from the State for Expansion of Blueprint School Staff Pay
Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / MACo Testimony
Counties Request Financial Support from the State for Expansion of Blueprint School Staff Pay

On March 1, 2023, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 883 - Primary and Secondary Education - Public School Employees - Job Duties and Salaries with amendments. She also testified before the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on the bill's cross-file, SB 791 on the same day. This bill would expand minimum salary and bonus requirements for teachers under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future (The…

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March 2, 2023
Read more about the article Montgomery County Minimum Wage Increases July 1
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor
Montgomery County Minimum Wage Increases July 1

On July 1, the minimum wage in Montgomery County will increase to $16.70 for employers with 51 or more employees and $15 for employers with 50 or fewer employees. A small employer with ten or fewer employees must pay $14.50 hourly. The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member and current County Executive Marc Elrich, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1. After…

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March 2, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Support Apprenticeship Commission, Ask for Representation
Education / Labor / MACo Testimony
Counties Support Apprenticeship Commission, Ask for Representation

On February 23, 2023, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the Senate Finance Committee in support of SB 413 - Apprenticeship 2030 Commission with amendments. This bill establishes the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission to examine and make recommendations to expand access to apprenticeships state-wide, and to reduce the current shortage of skilled practitioners in high-demand occupations. SB 413 is especially timely considering this shortage—many public and private sectors are struggling to hire and retain professionals with expertise in everything…

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February 27, 2023
Read more about the article National Labor Relations Board: Employers May Not Offer Severance Agreements Requiring Employees to Broadly Waive Labor Law Rights
Courts / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
National Labor Relations Board: Employers May Not Offer Severance Agreements Requiring Employees to Broadly Waive Labor Law Rights

The National Labor Relations Board recently ruled that employers may not offer employees severance agreements that require employees to broadly waive their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. On February 21, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board issued a decision in McLaren Macomb returning to longstanding precedent that employers cannot offer employees severance agreements that require employees to broadly waive their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The case involved severance agreements offered to furloughed…

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February 27, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Support Innovative Year of Service Bill to Support Workforce Development
Education / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor / MACo Testimony
Counties Support Innovative Year of Service Bill to Support Workforce Development

On February 23, 2023, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 0551 - Education - Service Year Option Program - Establishment (Serving Every Region Through Vocational Exploration Act of 2023) with amendments. The bill's cross-file, HB 546, was heard on February 21 in the Appropriations Committee. SB 511 establishes a new State Department of Service and Civic Innovation, as well as the Service Year Option…

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February 22, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Urge Flexibility in Employment Policies for Public Library Systems
County Budgets / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / MACo Testimony
Counties Urge Flexibility in Employment Policies for Public Library Systems

On January 31, 2023, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the House Appropriations Committee in opposition to HB 0065 - Education - Public Libraries - Collective Bargaining. In establishing a uniform collective bargaining process for public library employees, HB 0065 repeals current effective law leaving the decision to engage in collective bargaining in the hands the funding and operational authorities of local library systems -- the governing boards and county governments. Jurisdictions seeking to…

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February 1, 2023
Read more about the article County Leaders Learn About Workforce Development Opportunities in The Blueprint
Economic Development / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor
County Leaders Learn About Workforce Development Opportunities in The Blueprint

MACo and county leaders explore workforce development priorities in The Blueprint and potentially opportunities for counties to lead. On January 20, MACo held a virtual webinar on The Blueprint for Maryland's Future (The Blueprint) and workforce development initiatives built into the landmark education reform law. Specifically, the webinar explored new State funding for career counseling for Maryland's high school students on career-based post-high school paths in the same manner schools coach students in university and college…

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January 23, 2023
Read more about the article January 19 Webinar: The Rising Importance & Popularity of Youth Career Development
Economic Development / Education / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues
January 19 Webinar: The Rising Importance & Popularity of Youth Career Development

Join a coalition of policy leaders and think tanks for an informative webinar on the growing importance -- and popularity -- of career development education. On Thursday, January 19th at 2:00 pm, Maryland's own Senator Jim Rosapepe will participate in a webinar discussion on workforce development and career readiness education for America's students.  The virtual panel, titled "New Skills for A New Economy: The Rising Importance & Popularity of Youth Career Development," will bring together national…

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January 12, 2023
Read more about the article Top Issues of 2023 Session: School Personnel Shortages
2023 MACo Issue Previews / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
Top Issues of 2023 Session: School Personnel Shortages

With the 2023 Legislative Session rapidly approaching, MACo is profiling some major issues that stand to gather attention in the General Assembly’s work. Here, we preview school personnel shortages and potential legislation related to the problem. Several years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland's schools are still facing deep shortages of staff in all fields. The problem transcends school district, with all experiencing heightened levels of sustained position openings in an increasingly complex work force for…

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December 27, 2022
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