The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union revealed that nearly 10% of state government positions are vacant, totaling about 2,000 positions, leading to critical staffing shortages. This impacts the quality of services provided to residents, as highlighted by union leaders during a press conference in Salisbury.
Christine Duffy, a geriatric nursing assistant at Deer’s Head Hospital Center, emphasized the negative impact of understaffing on patient care, including inadequate grooming and movement. Similar staffing issues were reported at the Worcester County Health Department and Eastern Correctional Institute, where high caseloads and canceled programs are affecting employee and inmate safety.
The union is urging Governor Wes Moore to address the staffing crisis, emphasizing the dangers posed by the high number of assaults at state prisons. A statement from the governor’s administration spokesperson Carter Elliott acknowledged efforts to reduce vacancies by 22% statewide, particularly in key departments like public safety and health.
Governor Moore’s commitment to addressing the workforce shortage and collaborating with the AFSCME, advocates, and the state legislature was highlighted as essential to restoring proper functioning in state government. The administration remains focused on restoring staffing levels to ensure the safety and well-being of both employees and the individuals receiving state services.
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