As the union for more than 10,000 Maryland public employees and retirees, MCEA uses its political clout and legal power to advance employees' interests. MCEA: Represents members before employers in administrative hearings, the courts, and the legislature * Negotiates thousands of dollars in back pay in grievance wins, gets unfairly fired members reinstated to their jobs, and suspensions rescinded. * Does not hesitate to file a lawsuit against the State of Maryland when public employees are wronged, and has appealed cases to the U.S. Supreme Court involving extended hours without pay, massive terminations, and privatization of State jobs