Baltimore City Council labor committee adopts orientation, sets rules for testimony and agency submissions

Councilman Jermaine Jones, chair of the Baltimore City Council Labor and Workforce Committee, opened a short orientation Tuesday that laid out the committee’s mission, regular schedule and rules for testimony and agency submissions.

The mission, read by Councilman Jermaine Jones, said the committee is “committed to strengthening Baltimore's workforce by championing fair labor practice, equitable job opportunities, and economic mobility for all residents.” Jones said the committee will prioritize safe working conditions, workers’ rights and expanding access to training and career pathways.

Council President Z. Cohen praised Jones’s selection as chair and said, “this is going to be 1 of the most pro worker city councils in history. We are gonna be both pro business and pro labor,” adding that the council should attract economic development while protecting workers.

Jones gave a brief statement of the committee’s goals. He said the committee intends to advocate for equitable employment practices and fair wages; expand training and career-advancement programs so Baltimore residents can access new jobs; and strengthen local policies that protect workers even if federal protections change.

The committee set its regular meeting time for Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in DuBern's Council Chambers on the fourth floor. Jones outlined procedures for public participation: public testimony will be limited to three minutes per speaker; virtual participants must use the raise-hand function and are asked to register in advance.

Jones also listed deadlines and expectations for staff and agencies. Staff will provide briefing documents at least three days before meetings. Agencies must submit reports within 10 days of a request unless a different deadline is specified; agency presentation materials must be submitted at least seven days before a hearing, with late submissions requiring written justification. Jones said failure to submit presentation materials five days before a hearing will result in cancellation and that agencies should send a prepared, informed representative to hearings. He also said a 30-day notice will be provided before hearings except in cases requiring urgent intervention.

Jones opened the floor for questions; none were offered. He invited public testimony from registered speakers; no one testified. Before adjourning, Jones noted that federal workforce disruptions could increase local demand and said the committee must be nimble in response.

The orientation lasted about 12 minutes and focused on organizing the committee's workflow and expectations rather than policy debate. No formal motions or votes were taken during the session.