The Governor of the American State of Maryland has backed a nationwide campaign by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) encouraging people to fill vacant positions in Local Government.
Launching a public sector jobs fair in Baltimore, Governor Wes Moore said there was a desperate need to recruit staff for “front-line positions”.
National President of the AFSCME, Lee Saunders said the overwhelming message he had heard from public sector employees was that they were burned out.
“They really are burned out — they really are tired. Even though they’re working overtime, they’re making more money, they need a break. They know that public services are suffering,” Mr Saunders (pictured) said.
Mr Moore said there were currently more than 4,000 vacant positions in the State Public Service.
Elsewhere, New York Governor, Kathy Hochul has signed legislation designed to expand access to Public Service opportunities throughout her State.
“This legislation will help to strengthen the pipeline to Public Service, allowing even more New Yorkers to heed the call to join our public workforce,” Ms Hochul said.
The legislation requires the Department of Civil Service and all Municipal Public Service Commissions to make Public Service examination announcements to various entities, increasing the visibility of these job opportunities.
The new law also makes it easier for probationary workers to become permanent employees.
Ms Hochul said the move comes in the wake of an increase in the minimum wage for Public Servants and the announcement of 12 weeks fully-paid parental leave for the 150,000 State workers.
Washington, 9 September 2023
