Delegation hears support for HB 388, which would let library supervisors collectively bargain
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Summary
Delegate Forbes presented HB 388 to allow supervisors at the Baltimore County Public Library to form a bargaining unit. BCPL leadership and union representatives testified in favor, saying the measure aligns county law with the statewide Library Workers' Empowerment Act and would create parity for supervisors.
Delegate Rachel Forbes (sponsor) introduced House Bill 388, which would permit supervisory employees of the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) system to form or join a collective bargaining unit and engage in collective bargaining on terms similar to other library employees.
Yara Shaikh, chair of the BCPL board of trustees, testified in support and described recent positive developments since the 2021 law allowed library staff to bargain: the system negotiated multiple contracts and maintained open communications with the bargaining unit. Anita Bass, president of Local 4538, said supervisors seek parity with other county library systems and that eligibility to unionize would strengthen stability and worker voice.
Sponsor and supporters framed HB 388 as a technical correction to align county law with the statewide 2024 Library Workers' Empowerment Act and to give supervisors the same option to unionize that exists in several other jurisdictions.
No opposition testimony was recorded during this segment and the hearing concluded with a request to vote favorably on the bill.
