Committee advances mixed package on collective bargaining for faculty and graduate assistants

The Senate Finance Committee on March 13 advanced a package of bills altering collective bargaining rules for higher education employees.

Presenter (S12) described SB 6, which generally extends collective bargaining rights to non‑tenure‑track faculty at the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University and St. Mary's College of Maryland, but excludes employees at fully online institutions and positions fully funded by grants, contracts, or clinical revenues. Committee members asked whether funds exist to cover potential compensation increases; Presenter said budget specifics are not in the bill but will be considered in related budget legislation and arbitration reform proposals (SB 28).

SB 84, as amended, was described as limiting collective bargaining eligibility for graduate assistants to the University of Maryland College Park and UMBC campuses. Senators who represent districts near the flagship campus voiced concern that the bill helps those campuses but excludes other system institutions. Sponsor remarks (S3) said the change reflects a negotiated compromise that would bring roughly 90 percent of graduate assistants under bargaining rights given the system’s campus structures.

Committee debate included questions about which jobs qualify as "non‑tenure track" and whether exempting some campuses is equitable. After discussion the committee moved the measures forward; the transcript records recorded votes with several no votes and abstentions on related items.

Why it matters: The bills reshape collective bargaining eligibility across Maryland public higher‑education institutions and could affect compensation, bargaining rights and campus labor relations.

What happens next: The bills were reported favorably and will proceed to the Senate calendar for further action.