Congratulations to the First Latina President of AFSCME Local 1646
Yenicia Montes
Local 1646 President
Your first stop for questions, workplace issues, and getting involved. Leading follow-ups with bargaining-unit members and co-presenting at SEED Day.
Contact: montesye@pgcc.edu (work)
Confidential: local1646afscme@outlook.com
Your Right to a Union Steward
Your Union Steward is your first line of protection on the job — the person who stands with you when you need support, clarity, or advocacy. Under our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), AFSCME Local 1646 stewards are officially recognized to investigate and resolve workplace concerns, represent employees during grievance meetings at every step, and attend meetings with management without fear of retaliation.
You have the legal right to request a union representative any time a conversation could affect your job, pay, or working conditions. You can pause any meeting to say, "I would like my union steward present before we continue." The meeting must stop until your Steward arrives, and there is no penalty for asking.
Disciplinary Meetings
You're called into any meeting that could lead to discipline or has a serious tone
Questioning or Investigation
You're being questioned about an incident, complaint, or performance issue
Written Warnings
You receive a written warning, counseling memo, or notice of investigation
Grievance Support
You need help filing or understanding a grievance process
Document Review
You're asked to sign documents you don't understand or agree with
Collective Bargaining 2025: Your Seat at the Table
Collective bargaining is how we — the employees of Prince George's Community College — make our voices heard and protect our rights at work. Through a legally binding agreement between AFSCME Local 1646 and the College, we negotiate wages, benefits, leave policies, job security, and workplace protections that affect every member.
01
Member Input & Surveys
We collect feedback from members about workplace priorities, challenges, and desired improvements through comprehensive surveys and listening sessions. Local 1646 Bargaining Survey
02
Proposal Development
Your concerns and suggestions are transformed into specific contract proposals that address wages, benefits, working conditions, and professional development opportunities.
03
Negotiation Process
Our elected bargaining team meets with college administration to negotiate terms, backed by the collective strength and solidarity of our membership.
04
Contract Implementation
Once ratified by members, the contract becomes binding law that protects your rights and improves your working conditions for the duration of the agreement.
Current Contract Success
Our current Collective Bargaining Agreement (effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026) delivers meaningful progress — including fair pay increases, better working conditions, and stronger employee protections. Take the survey now: Local 1646 Bargaining Survey
In September 2025, our members received a well-deserved salary increase under this agreement — a direct result of collective bargaining and the power of standing together.
Your membership is your seat at the table. The stronger our membership, the stronger our contract — and the louder our collective voice when it's time to ask for what we've earned. Bargaining doesn't end when a contract is signed; it's an ongoing process driven by member feedback and active participation.
Success Stories: Our People. Our Power.
At AFSCME Local 1646, our greatest success is our people. Every employee at PGCC has a story — and we want to hear yours. Your experiences, challenges, victories, and milestones are what make our union strong and our community vibrant.
1
Your Turn to Shine
Now it's your turn — we're collecting member stories, big and small. We want to highlight you in our next update or social post, celebrating the incredible people who make PGCC exceptional.
Share Your Story With Us
Union Impact Moments
Tell us about times when your union made a difference in your work life, career, or personal situation. These stories inspire others and demonstrate our collective power.
Workplace Challenges
Share challenges you've faced that we should know about. Your experiences help us identify areas for improvement and advocacy opportunities.
Celebrations & Milestones
Retirements, birthdays, work anniversaries, promotions, and personal achievements — we want to celebrate together! Your success is our success.
We're building a Local where every voice is heard and every member is seen. Whether it's a major career milestone, a small workplace victory, or a challenge that needs attention, your story matters to our community.
If you've got something to share — good, bad, or inspiring — we want to highlight you in our communications. Together, we create a culture of recognition, support, and collective celebration.
Tell us your story. Let's celebrate you. Share your experiences at: local1646afscme@outlook.com
We're Not in This Alone!
About AFSCME Maryland Council 3
We're proud to be part of AFSCME Maryland Council 3, the statewide union representing more than 40,000 public service employees across Maryland — from colleges and hospitals to state agencies and local governments. This powerful network connects our campus to a movement that spans the entire state.
40K+
Public Employees
Represented across Maryland in various sectors and agencies
100+
Local Unions
Connected through Council 3's statewide network
24/7
Support Available
Resources and advocacy whenever members need assistance
Our Council 3 Partnership
Council 3 fights for fair pay, safe workplaces, and respect for every worker — and they've been right beside Local 1646 every step of the way. Their expertise in collective bargaining, legal support, and organizing has been invaluable during our transition and rebuilding process.
Special thanks to Hank Hollis, Wynton Johnson, and our entire Council 3 family, who've guided and mentored us through this new era of leadership, transparency, and member empowerment at PGCC.
Collective Strength
Together, we're part of something bigger — a movement that connects our campus to a statewide network of hardworking public servants who believe in fairness and dignity.
Legal Resources
Access to experienced labor attorneys, grievance specialists, and contract negotiation experts who understand public sector employment law.
Training & Development
Professional development opportunities, leadership training, and educational resources that strengthen our local union capabilities.
One Union. One Voice. One Maryland.From the classrooms of PGCC to the state capitol in Annapolis, we stand united with public employees across Maryland fighting for respect, fair compensation, and the dignity that all workers deserve.
Join Us & Stay Connected: We Can't Do It Alone!
Every great union is built by the people in it — and that means we need YOU. Whether you've been at PGCC for years or just joined, your voice, your skills, and your ideas matter. This is your opportunity to make a real difference in your workplace and your career.
✨ Showcase Your Talents
Help with events, outreach, creative projects, or use your professional skills to strengthen our union. Every talent contributes to our collective success.
🗣️ Make Your Voice Heard
Share what's working and what's not in your department. Your daily experiences inform our advocacy and improvement efforts.
🚀 Be Part of Something Bigger
Help build the next generation of Local 1646 leadership. Your participation shapes our future and strengthens our collective power.
How to Get Involved
- Attend Events: Join us at membership meetings, and social gatherings
- Volunteer: Help with organizing drives, event planning, or communications
- Serve on Committees: Contribute to grievance, bargaining, or membership committees
- Spread the Word: Talk to colleagues about union benefits and membership
- Stay Informed: Follow our updates and participate in surveys
We're rebuilding, growing, and reimagining what union power looks like at PGCC — and we can't do it without your energy and participation. Join the movement. Step up. Speak out. Let's make Local 1646 stronger — together.
Upcoming Events: What's Next for AFSCME Local 1646
We've been busy — and we're just getting started! Mark your calendars and get involved as we build momentum into 2026 contract bargaining and a new era of Local 1646 leadership. These events are your opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape our union's future.
1
November 2025 – General Membership Meeting
Exact Date & Location: To Be Announced
Join us as we close out the fall semester with comprehensive updates on contract enforcement, membership growth, and upcoming training opportunities. We'll also recognize retiring members and welcome our newest recruits to the Local 1646 family.
Join us as we close out the fall semester with comprehensive updates on contract enforcement, membership growth, and upcoming training opportunities. We'll also recognize retiring members and welcome our newest recruits to the Local 1646 family.
2
December 2025 – Holiday Celebration 🎄
Holiday Party & Member Appreciation Celebration
Date & Details: Coming Soon!
Let's end the year in solidarity and celebration. Food, music, raffles, and recognition for our incredible members — new and old — who kept our Local strong all year long. Bring your holiday spirit and dancing shoes!
Date & Details: Coming Soon!
Let's end the year in solidarity and celebration. Food, music, raffles, and recognition for our incredible members — new and old — who kept our Local strong all year long. Bring your holiday spirit and dancing shoes!
Looking Ahead to 2026
Stay tuned for bargaining-survey results analysis, comprehensive steward training programs, and our strategic kickoff for contract-negotiation preparation. The feedback you provide through surveys and meetings directly shapes what we fight for in our next contract.
Your participation now determines our strength at the bargaining table next year. Every voice heard, every member engaged, every story shared contributes to our collective power and negotiating position.
Take the Survey Now: Local 1646 Bargaining Survey
📧 Have an event idea, milestone, or celebration to add? Send it to local1646afscme@outlook.com — we'll spotlight it on our new site and social media channels!
These aren't just events — they're opportunities to build the union community you want to be part of. Come for the information, stay for the connections, and leave knowing you're part of something bigger than yourself.
Let’s Go 1646 🔥 Every Click Builds Power.
Tap in for truth, training, and union updates that matter. Strength. Unity. Solidarity. ✊🏾
💥 WE’RE LIVE! 💥 The wait is OVER — AFSCME Local 1646 | PGCC Employees Union is officially online! 💚💪🏾 www.Local1646.com | AFSCME Local 1646 – Prince George’s Community College Employees
💥 WE’RE LIVE! 💥 The wait is OVER — AFSCME Local 1646 | PGCC Employees Union is officially online! 💚💪🏾 www.Local1646.com
