WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 84

State Personnel - Collective Bargaining - Graduate Assistants

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Kramer and 1 co-sponsor

SB 84 grants Maryland's graduate assistants at state universities formal collective bargaining rights to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Hearing 1/29 at 3:00 p.m.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 84

Legislative bill overview

SB 84 would establish collective bargaining rights for graduate assistants employed by Maryland state universities and institutions. The bill grants these graduate assistants the legal right to organize, negotiate with their employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions, and engage in protected union activities.

Why is this important

Graduate assistants are a significant workforce at Maryland's higher education institutions, often performing teaching and research duties while pursuing advanced degrees. Currently lacking formal collective bargaining protections, they have limited leverage to negotiate compensation, healthcare access, and working hour standards. This bill directly affects thousands of graduate students' economic security and could influence Maryland's higher education labor practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Universities may argue that negotiated increases in graduate assistant wages and benefits will strain budgets and potentially increase tuition costs or reduce hiring
  • Academic freedom concerns: Some faculty and administrators worry collective bargaining structures could complicate traditional academic governance and mentor-mentee relationships
  • Scope disagreements: Questions remain about which graduate assistant roles qualify, how disputes will be resolved, and whether this applies to all state institutions uniformly
  • Competitive positioning: Private universities and out-of-state institutions without similar requirements might gain recruitment advantages for graduate talent

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

Sign in to ask a question.