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Today the hardworking men and women represented by AFSCME in the City of Opa-locka voted almost 98% in favor of recertifying their union.

AFSCME Florida Statement on Recertification Wins in City of Pinellas Park

For two decades, the dedicated employees at Florida's State Mental Hospitals have tried to convey to lawmakers the perilous nature of the work they do day in and day out. These tireless public servants work directly with individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity or who have been found to be a danger to themselves or to others.

I have always believed in unions. When I was presented with the opportunity to join AFSCME upon accepting a job with DCF, I did not hesitate. That would prove to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. After less than a year on the job, I was assigned to a new position without proper training. Rather than providing coaching, I was terminated abruptly. Losing my job was devastating for me because I was a new resident of Florida with no family and very few associates. The absence of a viable support system weighed heavily on me.
AFSCME Local 1584, the union that represents bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, and other support staff at the Manatee County School district, ratified a historic agreement Saturday which provides substantial raises for all employees and significant improvements in working conditions. 
The contract, which was approved by nearly 90% of workers that voted Saturday at the Palmetto Youth Center includes:

In the summer of 2015, AFSCME members in Florida were facing a troubling future. Their jobs and rights were under attack across the state as anti-worker legislators and organizations were using Florida as a testing ground for the attacks we have seen nationally in the past few years. While signing up coworkers in a traditionally Right to Work for Less state had always been challenging, they agreed that organizing was the key to stemming the dramatic loss of members and turning the tide.

AFSCME Florida Executive Director Jana Weaver released the following statement on Governor Ron DeSantis' state budget proposal:

As the the Federal Shutdown drags on, it's created a crisis for many of our hardworking Brothers and Sisters. Most Federal Employees have been directed to not work or work without pay for an indefinite amount of time created financial hardships for families across the country. In addition, many Union workers employed by government contactors have been forced to stop projects as the shutdown continues.  As we have in the past with natural disaster relief, the AFL-CIO is stepping up to assist those in need with Shutdown Disaster Relief.

AFSCME Florida Members Come Together for Hurricane Recovery

Meet Frances Gillum, mother of AFSCME Florida's endorsed candidate for Governor of Florida, Andrew Gillum, and card carrying member of AFSCME Retirees of Florida. Frances was the guest speaker this week at the AFSCME Retiree Chapter 43 meeting in Tallahassee. A hard working union bus driver for many years, Mrs. Gillum shared that she instilled that same work ethic and respect for the dignity of labor in her son from an early age.