Baltimore County

Public Library

Supervisory Workers

Can Join Our Union!

We fought for our rights and won!

Effective July 1, 2026, Chapter 757 gives Baltimore County Public Library “Supervisory Employees” the right to collectively bargain and join a union.

Whether you love your job but want security or are struggling and need change, now is the time to get involved. Working together we can make our workplace better.

Gov. Wes Moore Signing SB 253/ HB 388, introduced by Sen. Shelly Hettleman and Del. Cathi Forbes, joined by IAM Local 4538 Pres. Anita Bass and District 4 Organizer Kevin Gallagher.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Signed into law on May 26, 2026 by Gov. Wes Moore, Chapter 757 was written for the purpose of authorizing supervisory employees of the Baltimore County Public Library to form, join, and participate in an employee organization and engage in certain other activities related to collective bargaining. It also establishes a separate bargaining unit for supervisory employees and creates a distinction between supervisors and management.

  • Chapter 757 established the following definitions:

    • “Supervisory employee” means an employee who is authorized to:

      • Hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline employees

      • Responsibly direct employees for more than 50% of the employee’s working hours; or

      • Address and resolve the grievances of employees.

    • “Management employee” means an employee who generally has authority and who:

      • Formulates policy that is applicable throughout a bargaining unit;

      • Has a significant role in personnel administration, employee relations, or the preparation and administration of budgets for the employer; or

      • May reasonably be required to:

        1. Assist directly in the preparation for and conduct of collective

          bargaining negotiations on behalf of the employer; or

        2. Have a major role in the administration of resulting collective

          bargaining agreements.

  • Supervisory employees are able to elect IAM Union to represent them, and be members of the same Union Local, but must be part of a separate bargaining unit. This means that supervisory employees would bargain a separate contract and elect separate stewards.

  • The first step in showing your support is signing an authorization card. In order to be recognized as a union, workers submit a showing of interest to the Maryland Public Employee Relations Board. This must include a signed authorization card from at least 30% of eligible employees. To sign your card use the link above.

  • The best way to get involved is to join our Organizing Committee. To join the committee reach out to IAM Organizer:

Have More Questions?

Get in Touch.