MCGEO, FOP Demand Independent Investigation Into Disability Discrimination Allegations
UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO and Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 recently called for an independent investigation into serious allegations of discrimination and retaliation within Montgomery County government’s Human Resources and Occupational Medical Services departments.
According to allegations sent to MCGEO by former county Disability Program Coordinator Christopher Van Fultz, a service-connected disabled veteran, employees with disabilities — particularly disabled veterans and workers seeking reasonable accommodations — faced hostility, improper denials of accommodations, and potential violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Local 1994 President Gino Renne said employees and the public deserve confidence that any review of the allegations is impartial, transparent, and free from internal influence.
The union has also filed a grievance alleging widespread violations of ADA protections, Equal Employment Opportunity laws, county personnel regulations, and the collective bargaining agreement.
The unions initially sought action through the office of Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, but were informed the matter falls outside the Attorney General’s jurisdiction. Union leadership says they are now pursuing other avenues to ensure an independent review moves forward.
Read the full Banner story here:
Former program director alleges ‘systemic discrimination’ against disabled employees
Members Awarded New American Citizen Scholarship
UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO is proud to recognize two outstanding members who were selected to receive assistance through the UFCW International Union New American Citizen Scholarship Fund, offered in partnership with United Latinos of the UFCW. The scholarship provides up to $600 to help eligible members cover expenses associated with the citizenship process and continuing their path toward becoming New American citizens.
This year’s recipients were Wilson Veliz of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Ana Reyes of the Department of General Services (DGS). Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to building a better future embody the strength and diversity of our union family.
Pictured celebrating this achievement are Ryan Conlon, Union Representative; Secretary-Treasurer Lisa Blackwell-Brown; Wilson Veliz (HHS); Alejandro Miranda, UFCW Organizer; Ana Reyes (DGS); and Recorder Lisa Titus.
UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO remains committed to supporting members through education, advocacy, and programs that help create opportunities for working families. Congratulations to Wilson and Ana on this well-deserved recognition and important step forward.
Register Now: Quarterly Member Meetings – May 27
Our next Quarterly Membership Meetings are coming up, and we want to see you there.
📅 Wednesday, May 27
We’re offering two options to make it easy to join:
11:00 AM Meeting
6:00 PM Meeting
These meetings are your chance to stay informed, ask questions, and stay connected with what’s happening across our union.
Don’t wait — secure your spot now. See you on May 27.
HOC Members Unanimously Ratify New Agreement
During a vote last week, Local 1994 members at the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) unanimously ratified their 2026 wage reopener. The agreement also received approval from the HOC Commission during its mid-week meeting.
The successful ratification follows long and arduous negotiations that nearly went to arbitration before an agreement was reached at the last minute.
NAACP Honors MCGEO’s Commitment to Working Families
UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO was honored to receive the President’s Award at the 51st Freedom Fund Gala hosted by the NAACP. The award recognizes the union’s continued commitment to advocacy, community partnership, and the advancement of fairness and opportunity for working families throughout Montgomery County.
Pictured is Gino Renne accepting the award on behalf of the organization.
Union Representative/Organizers
Have issues in your workplace and need some guidance? Reach out to your union representative. Call the office at 301-977-2447 or send an email. They are there to help.
| Name | Responsible For | |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy Austin | naustin@mcgeo.org | HHS – School Health |
| John Barry | jbarry@mcgeo.org | MNCPPC (MoCo & PG), PGCMLS, Annapolis Bus Company, RE Wilson |
| Lisa Blackwell-Brown | lwilsonia-blackwell@mcgeo.org | Corrections, Cumberland City Police |
| Ryan Conlon | rconlon@mcgeo.org | HHS, Athena |
| Thomas Coulter | tcoulter@mcgeo.org | DGS (Fleet), Ride-On, Fire & Rescue |
| Joshua Graham | jgraham@mcgeo.org | M-NCPPC (PG County), STA (Annapolis Bus Company) |
| Jimmie “JJ” Harris | harrisjimmie37@gmail.com | M-NCPPC |
| John Kilker | jkilker@mcgeo.org | Libraries, Environmental Protection, Human Rights Commission, Board of Elections, Consumer Protection, CUPF, MC311, Finance, Procurement, Emergency Management/Homeland Security, Recreation, Progressive Maryland |
| Ray Lee | rlee@mcgeo.org | Department of Transportation, Alcohol Beverage Services |
| Amy Millar | amillar@mcgeo.org | Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) |
| Stephen Miller | smiller@mcgeo.org / 240-750-0518 | HHS |
| Rosa Ortiz | rortiz@mcgeo.org | Silver Spring/Wheaton Urban District |
| Lisa Titus | ltitus@mcgeo.org | Sheriff’s Office, Animal Services, Permitting Services, Housing & Community Affairs, Police |
| Steve Valentich | svalentich@mcgeo.org | PGCMLS |
