Union demands beefed-up safety efforts after deaths of two highway workers

Union officials expressed optimism that a meeting Thursday with state Transportation Secretary Kathryn Thomson will lead to improved safety for highway workers.

The roughly hourlong meeting with leaders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees followed the deaths of two workers in separate incidents this week.

AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran, speaking outside Maryland Department of Transportation headquarters in Hanover after the meeting, said more enforcement is needed.

“That’s the biggest …