UM System Layoffs Spark Union Pushback

Maryland’s public universities are under fire as over 100 AFSCME union members rallied against recent layoffs hitting 73 at College Park, 21 at Bowie State, and possibly UMBC — just before a critical Board of Regents meeting. Senate President Bill Ferguson pushed for a November referendum to mandate neutral arbitrators in labor disputes, while also noting funds were set aside for raises. University spokesperson Michael Sandler confirmed a 1.5% COLA but denied extra money for merit pay, blaming budget woes from state cuts and inflation. Union leaders like Patrick Moran slammed the response, pointing to university endowments and calling for cuts to vendor contracts or executive pay instead of targeting staff. The system acknowledged the human toll, but the union made it clear: they’re not done fighting to win back those jobs. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/554fcd79eb3e4fb6