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HB 1492

Collective Bargaining - Public Employees - Revocation of Certification and School and Library Employees' Right to Strike

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 22 co-sponsors

HB 1492 enables unions to be decertified more easily while authorizing school and library employees to legally strike, reshaping Maryland public sector labor dynamics.

Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1492

Legislative bill overview

HB 1492 addresses two significant labor issues for Maryland public employees: establishing procedures for revoking union certification and granting school and library employees the right to strike. The bill would create a mechanism for decertification of public sector unions while simultaneously expanding strike rights to education and library workers, who currently lack that protection under Maryland law.

Why is this important

These changes would fundamentally alter the balance of power in public sector labor relations. Decertification procedures could weaken union representation and membership stability, while strike rights for education workers could significantly impact school operations and student instruction. Together, these provisions represent competing labor policy directions that will affect thousands of public employees and service delivery across Maryland.

Potential points of contention

  • Decertification ease vs. union stability: Lowering barriers to union decertification could destabilize representation for workers who rely on collective bargaining, while proponents argue workers deserve easier exit options if dissatisfied.
  • School disruption vs. worker leverage: Granting strike rights to teachers and library staff provides essential bargaining power but creates practical concerns about educational continuity and service interruptions during contract disputes.
  • Inconsistent policy direction: The bill simultaneously weakens unions (decertification) and strengthens them (strike rights), raising questions about legislative intent and whether these provisions work at cross purposes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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