House passes bill to allow unions at community colleges

Annapolis, MD – Over strenuous objections from Republicans, the House of Delegates passed a bill Friday authorizing collective bargaining at all of the state’s community colleges.

The measure passed after an 84-52 vote that was most along party lines. Counting a handful of Democratic absentees, the margin indicated that House proponents could override a veto by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan if the Senate passes the bill. Some employees at community colleges in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties already have bargaining rights.

The legislation allows employees at the state’s dozen other community colleges to seek a vote to unionize.