Since 2021, when Maryland’s legislature extended collective bargaining rights to academic workers at public community colleges, the ranks of AAUP- and AFT-affiliated unions have grown rapidly as faculty members across the state have voted to unionize. Under the umbrella of the United Academics of Maryland (UAMD), new faculty unions formed at Frederick Community College and Howard Community College in 2023, followed in 2024 by unions at Baltimore City Community College, Chesapeake College, the Community College of Baltimore County, Hagerstown Community College, and Prince George’s Community College.
Many of these unions ratified their first contracts over the past year, demonstrating the power of a collective voice to ensure fair compensation, to improve working conditions, and to strengthen the academic mission. The Frederick Community College union’s first contract, ratified in May 2025, provided faculty members with raises of up to 10 percent and $3,500 bonuses, while the first contract at Howard Community College, ratified in August, improved job security by establishing continuing appointments and included a 4 percent cost-of-living adjustment and $3,500 bonuses. At Hagerstown Community College, a three-year agreement ratified in October will increase base salaries by more than 20 percent and provide promotional raises of up to 18 percent over the life of the contract. The Prince George’s Community College union’s contract, ratified in December, included a 7.5 percent increase in overload pay, bonuses of $1,500, a base salary increase of 3.5 percent in the first year, and improvements in the tenure process. Finally, the Chesapeake College union’s contract, ratified in February 2026, incorporated provisions that create a new, service-oriented path to promotion and stabilize health-care costs. All of the contracts establish enforceable academic freedom rights, and several also strengthen shared governance—crucial measures at a time when higher education is under assault.
As of this writing, faculty unions at Baltimore City Community College and the Community College of Baltimore County remain in contract negotiations.
UAMD President Angelique Cook-Hayes said, “The successful ratification of five contracts thus far is a testament to the determination and commitment of community college faculty to fight for fair wages and working conditions. As pioneers, we have motivated higher education professionals throughout Maryland to take meaningful action and strive for a work environment that ultimately benefits our students.”