We, the undersigned, are demanding wage increases this year that reflect the valuable expertise we have, the critical work we do, and the rapidly rising cost of living.

As state workers, we do critical and valuable work each and every day to keep Maryland running, yet our paychecks don’t even come close to reflecting this.

Our state agencies are facing staggeringly high vacancy rates, troubling turnover numbers, and difficulty recruiting and retaining — only making it harder for those of us who have stayed on the job. We’re shouldering additional job responsibilities, taking on more hours, and even risking our lives to ensure our state services can continue. And yet, our base pay continues to lag behind what we could be earning in the private sector and in jobs with much lower workloads.

With a record-high state budget surplus for Maryland, now is the time to give state workers the wage increases we deserve. Treat us with respect at the bargaining table, and show us with your actions that you value the critical and vital work state workers do.