Baltimore, MD –32BJ SEIU is celebrating electoral victories for Anthony Brown, Brooke Lierman, Bill Ferguson, Adrienne Jones and Jeff Waldstreicher, citing their support for paid family leave policy, protecting workers from unscrupulous employers and last year’s passage of the Secure Maryland Wage Act that improves jobs at BWI Marshall Airport.

“We look forward to helping these exemplary state legislators win in November so they can pass paid family leave policy to help low-wage workers who can’t afford to lose a paycheck or their jobs to care for family,” said Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President of 32BJ SEIU, which represents 10,000 members in Maryland. “Primary victories for Brooke Lierman and Anthony Brown bring us one step closer to having leaders who will ensure public contracts serve the best public interest and strong enforcement of worker protection laws.”

The Secure Maryland Wage Act raises hourly compensation for over 2,000 contracted BWI workers from as little as $8.50 to $17 over the next five years and eliminates tipped wages for wheelchair agents who say they often don’t get tips. The law raises wages and benefit standards for overwhelmingly Black and immigrant janitors, non-TSA security officers, cabin cleaners, wheelchair attendants, passenger service agents, ramp workers, baggage handlers, and ticket and line agents among others. The law helped other airports attract and retain experienced and better-trained workers at heightened-security transportation facilities.

With more than 175,000 members in 12 states, including over 10,000 in Maryland among over 21,000 in the D.C. Area and Baltimore, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

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