Maryland Workers Beat Back Privateers

by Jon Melegrito  |  March 22, 2012

Public pressure worked. It forced the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) to back off from the school system’s plans to privatize its Before- and After-care services for children and families.

More than 250 workers at 60 program sites are represented by AFSCME Local 2250. When they heard of the privatization plans last year, they got together with concerned parents and community supporters. A petition campaign, which was promptly organized, collected hundreds of signatures. They also rallied, raised their concerns in local media and asserted their presence at board of education hearings.

On March 7, Local 2250 leaders, including Pres. Shirley Adams and Chapter Representative Cathy Bond met with PGCPS Deputy Superintendent Bonita Coleman Potter. At this meeting, Potter acknowledged receiving signed petitions and letters from concerned parents and assured union leaders there were no immediate plans to contract out the services or laying off any of the employees.