Labor Archives

Workplace Heat Protections Aim to Prevent Tragedies in Maryland’s Hottest Months

After a deadly 2024 heat season, Maryland is heading into summer with new heat safety protections designed to prevent on-the-job illnesses and fatalities due to extreme heat. As reported by Maryland Matters, last year, 27 Marylanders died from heat-related illnesses. In response, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) division finalized new regulations last fall that require employers to take proactive steps when temperatures climb. Maryland's Heat Illness Prevention Standards require employers to protect workers…

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May 14, 2025

County News / Cyber / Information Technology / Labor

Navigating the Automation Wave and Its Effects on the Workforce

As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to evolve, public and private employers must prepare for workforce shifts that could reshape communities and economies. A new report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) warns that more than 19 million US jobs, or roughly one in eight, face a high or very high risk of near-term displacement due to automation. SHRM analyzed over 800 occupations from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and found that…

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May 12, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / Policy Deep Dive

FAMLI Freeze: What the Latest Delay Means for Local Governments

Maryland’s paid family leave program was delayed once more as counties secured key changes, but the path forward still depends on upcoming actions from the State. Three takeaways The Maryland General Assembly passed a bill in the 2025 legislative session to delay the Time to Care Act / Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. The bill did include a provision requested by MACo and the Collaborative to exclude local government employers from having to…

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May 7, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Family Leave Updates — Webinar May 5, Register Today

As the State delays its Family Leave program, MACo and its partners will host a webinar to discuss the process ahead, both generally and for those counties joining a Collaborative to meet these needs through a joint private alternative option. As reported earlier on Conduit Street, the Maryland Department of Labor (DOL) is delaying the implementation of Maryland’s Time to Care Act (TCA) for 18 months. The General Assembly passed HB 102, which included the delay.…

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April 28, 2025

Human Resources / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues

How Federal Workforce Cuts Threaten Stability in MD’s Communities

Counties that rely heavily on federal employment are starting to feel the strain of recent workforce reductions and uncertainty about decisions that may lie ahead. When state or federal policymakers make sweeping decisions, the effects often exceed the headlines and partisan talking points. This is evident in Charles and Prince George’s Counties, where recent federal workforce reductions are rattling local economic stability. Charles and Prince George’s counties are widely recognized as pillars of Maryland’s economic…

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April 23, 2025

Labor

UBalt Schaefer Center’s List of Resources for Displaced Federal Workers Helps Public Service Changemakers

A recent Moody's study confirmed that no state faces greater risk from federal worker displacement than Maryland. Various partners and institutions are providing resources for those federal public servants who are recently unemployed or looking for new opportunities. The University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy has published a list of job boards, as well as upskilling and training resources, to help the community. From the UBalt resources page: This resource page is designed…

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April 17, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor

MD Dept of Labor Data Sheds Light on MD’s Federal Workforce

Two new data tools from the Maryland Department of Labor break down how federal workforce shifts are hitting Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland has the second-highest concentration of federal employees in the nation, which means Maryland can be uniquely affected by federal actions. Whether it's government shutdowns, funding disruptions, or federal layoffs, the effects are felt by thousands of workers and their families in every county. To help make sense of…

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April 16, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor

Davis Martinez Safety Act Reflects County Input and State Commitment

MACo supported SB 26, the Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act, with amendments. As amended, MACo submitted a letter of information on SB 26’s cross-file, HB 176, Labor and Employment—Occupational Safety and Health—Revisions (Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act). The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 26/HB 176 – Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act, a bill MACo supported with amendments to ensure it is operable for local governments. This…

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April 14, 2025

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2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 447th legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in over a decade — with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Despite these unprecedented fiscal pressures, counties worked together through MACo to protect essential services, limit…

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April 11, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / News You Can Use

Register Today: Grant Funding for Public Sector Apprenticeship Programs

The Maryland Department of Labor is hosting an informational webinar on April 17, from 12-1 PM, to highlight two major grant programs designed to support public sector employers in developing and expanding apprenticeship programs. This webinar is an opportunity for county governments, municipal agencies, and other public entities to learn how they can secure funding to enhance workforce development and address critical hiring needs. About the Programs: Public Sector Innovation Fund – Provides start-up funding…

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April 3, 2025