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.

AFSCME FLORIDA Council 79 Elects New Officers

AFSCME FLORIDA Council 79 Elects New Officers

Orlando – The men and women of AFSCME Florida Council 79 elected new officers at their convention, held March 29 to March 30 in Orlando. The new officers are as follows:

AFSCME Florida Convention kicks off with President Lee Saunders and a New Constitution

For almost four years, as attacks against organized labor reached a fever pitch nationwide, AFSCME members in Florida responded by launching a fierce and unprecedented organizing campaign unlike any the Sunshine State had seen before. Today, members started writing a new chapter in their union’s proud history by ratifying a new constitution on the first day of the AFSCME Florida Council 79's convention. 

The Numbers Are In: AFSCME Members Are Sticking with Their Union

Our union gained more than 9,000 dues-paying members and nearly 19,000 dues-paying retirees in the last year, suggesting that billionaires and corporations are failing in their effort to “defund and defang” public service unions.

State Hospital Workers Converge on Capitol to Demand Special Risk Classification

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.

Victories Against Anti-Worker Laws in Missouri, New Mexico Show Momentum

Workers in Missouri and New Mexico have chalked important victories against anti-worker laws that would have robbed them of their voices and the right to bargain collectively.

In Missouri, two separate anti-worker measures, HB 1413 and SB 1007, were halted by state courts last week.

FAMU Workers Take Fight for Fair Wages to Board of Trustees

Tallahassee--Dozens of workers with AFSCME Local 3343 at Florida A&M University took the fight for fair wages and respect directly to the Board of Trustees on Thursday after the school offered a ZERO PERCENT pay increase after several months of ardous contract negotiations. "FAMU is clearly not willing to negotiate in good faith," said Andre Crumity, President of Local 3343. "We work hard to make this University function properly yet we are deciding which bills we can afford to pay each month.

Special Risk Classification Bill Would Benefit Thousands of State Employees

Representative Vance Aloupis and Senator Manny Diaz Jr. filed a bill this week that would reclassify nearly two thousand state employees who work at facilities and perform services for individuals who have a mental illness and are involved with the criminal justice system. The Special Risk Class would afford just protections, higher compensation and early retirement for workers that spend at least 65 percent of their time in direct contact with residents and patients. 

Unions Matter: Guest Blog by Bianca Hodge

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.