Salisbury City Council Votes to Eliminate Collective Bargaining and Binding Arbitration
May 27, 2026/
The Salisbury City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night, May 26th, to repeal the city’s labor code, eliminating collective bargaining rights for city employees, including police officers and firefighters. A public hearing was held before the vote. Among those who spoke was Joan Smith, President of the Wicomico County Education Association…
She argued that removing collective bargaining rights would not address the county’s budget concerns and said she believes government leaders and employees should work collaboratively to address workplace and community issues. Councilmembers April Jackson, Sharon Dashiell, and Melissa Holland voted in favor of the repeal, while Councilmembers Michele Gregory and Angela Blake voted against it.
The repeal of collective bargaining rights is said to solve a future projected budget shortfall. However, Anissa Pierce-Sessoms, Executive Vice President AFSCME Maryland Council 3 disagrees…
Union leaders said they plan to continue challenging the council’s action through the petition process.
Following the vote, Michele Gregory criticized the decision and encouraged residents opposed to the repeal to support the petition effort challenging the council’s action.