News

AFSCME Florida Statement on Recertification Win at New College of Florida

Today the hardworking men and women represented by AFSCME at New College of Florida voted 100% unanimously in favor of recertifying their union with a nearly 75% turnout.

AFSCME Florida Statement on Recertification Win at University of Central Florida

Over the past few weeks, the hardworking blue-collar employees of the University of Central Florida represented by AFSCME Local 3345 voted by mail for the recertification of their union.

AFSCME Florida Statement on Recertification Win for Duval County School Board

Over the past few weeks, the hardworking public service unit of Duval County Public School employees represented by AFSCME voted by mail for the recertification of their union.

Congress has finally passed an infrastructure bill. Build Back Better should be next.

The House of Representatives has passed President Joe Biden’s transformational bipartisan infrastructure plan, which Biden will soon sign into law. The passage earned praise from AFSCME President Lee Saunders, who, in a statement, said, “We are turning a corner.”

Foodservice Workers Welcome Agriculture Commissioner to Jacksonville School

School foodservice is among the many responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and Commissioner Nikki Fried. AFSCME Florida President Vicki Hall, AFSCME Local 2941 President Elton Brown and Vice President Annette Taylor joined Commissioner Fried as she visited Englewood High School in Jacksonville on Wednesday, November 10, to thank foodservice workers for their efforts and hear their concerns. 

Union 411: How and why we organize

As solidarity actions and strikes sweep the nation, workers are making history by organizing their workplaces for the first time.

When workers belong to a union, they have a unified voice to create safer, stronger and healthier workplaces. Organizing is our most effective tool to determine workplace dignity, hours, working conditions and quality of life. Workers aren’t stuck with dangerous workplace conditions with poor wages and benefits. They can improve them, together.

Paid Family Leave Policies Being Introduced in South Florida

Much-needed paid family leave provisions are being introduced in South Florida, granting new parents time to bond with their growing families. According to the Sun-Sentinel on Nov. 1, "The latest employer to join the ranks is Hallandale Beach, which recently became Broward County’s first city to approve paid parental leave for its workforce. And Fort Lauderdale may be among the next to join."

Among the few other cities or counties in Florida to offer paid parental leave: Broward County, Wellington, Coral Gables and Miami Beach, according to the article.

Naples Local Shows Unity In Negotiations

When the City Council rejects a Tentative Agreement negotiated in good faith, what do you do? While a host of administrative and legal remedies could be considered, around 40 bargaining unit members of Local 2017, representing municipal workers from a variety of positions in Naples, decided to march into negotiations Wednesday, October 27, to show unity and resolve. 

Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act Introduced

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act was introduced today in the House of Representatives by Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.). The bill, which currently has 144 cosponsors, would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide. It would empower workers to join together for a voice on the job not only to improve working conditions but to improve the communities in which they work.

State Workers Call for Resources, Compassion and Flexibility With Rep. Crist

State management has been showing precious little compassion and care by disregarding public health measures which would safeguard the general public and workers, AFSCME Florida President Vicki Hall and members detailed for U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-13) on September 28. 

“It is a slap in the face to all state, county and municipal workers who are putting their lives on the line every day,” said President Hall during a statewide Zoom meeting with  the former governor.

The union difference: Greatest wealth gains are for Black and Hispanic union households

We’ve said it before: Life is better in a union. 

Workers who belong to unions make more money than their nonunion counterparts. They have better health care insurance and retirement plans, more job security and safer working conditions. They’re happier.