April 16, 2001

To All UMBI Employees:

At the end of the 2001 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill that would allow some University System of Maryland employees to decide whether they wish to be represented by a union or other employee organization. Governor Parris N. Glendening has indicated he will sign the legislation into law, with an effective date of 7/1/01.

The USM Chancellor's office has issued a message to all employees, which you can access on the USM web site: www.usmd.edu, then click on Collective Bargaining. As more information becomes available, it will be posted on that site. Over the next several months, USM officials will develop regulations that will govern implementation of the collective bargaining legislation, and we will make every effort to keep you informed as information becomes available. In the meantime, you may contact Kathy DeShong, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources.