Florida Teachers Unions Score Major Victory Against Legislation

Teachers in Florida stand united to support their union amidst new legislation.

News Summary

In a significant development for Florida’s educators, teachers unions have successfully maintained contracts despite Governor DeSantis’ anti-union measures. Following the passage of Senate Bill 256, which requires annual recertification elections for public sector unions, the Florida Education Association has reported a 98% approval rate for their union. This victory highlights the ongoing dedication of educators while navigating legislative hurdles aimed at limiting union influence.

ORLANDO, Florida – Florida teachers unions have achieved a significant victory amidst Governor Ron DeSantis’ anti-public sector union initiatives, which have challenged the stability and representation of public workers throughout the state. This victory comes in the wake of Senate Bill 256, enacted in 2023, which mandates that public sector unions must hold annual recertification elections if fewer than 60% of the workers they represent are members paying dues.

The implications of this law have been profound for many public worker unions in Florida. Under Florida’s right-to-work status, employees are allowed to benefit from union-negotiated contracts without the obligation to pay union dues. Consequently, over 69,000 public sector workers in the state have seen their unions decertified due to their inability to reach the required 60% membership threshold for recertification. This decertification has impacted a range of professions, including adjunct faculty, school bus drivers, and nurses within various state departments.

Despite these challenges, the Florida Education Association (FEA), which is affiliated with the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, has successfully maintained its contracts. The leadership of the FEA has noted a strong commitment from educators to retain their union and the associated benefits that come with collective bargaining. The turnout for union recertification votes has been notable, with approximately 98% of educators voting in favor of keeping their union during the recent Orange CTA recertification election.

Overall, the average approval rate for union recertification in Florida stands at 94.3%, underscoring a strong desire among educators to circumvent the challenges posed by new legislation. Governor DeSantis has characterized education unions unfavorably, labeling them as “partisan groups” and actively seeking to limit their influence through various legislative measures.

The law, which DeSantis has referred to as the “Paycheck Protection Act,” imposes additional restrictions on how unions can collect dues. One of the major changes includes prohibiting paycheck deductions for union dues, which poses logistical challenges for unions trying to maintain financial stability. Notably, unions representing police and firefighter personnel, which endorsed DeSantis, have been largely exempt from these new requirements.

As a result of SB 256, the Public Employees Relations Commission, the agency responsible for overseeing public sector union regulations, has experienced a significant increase in workload. The commission has subsequently requested additional funding to accommodate the elevated demands stemming from the new law.

In the aftermath of SB 256’s implementation, the FEA and other unions have observed a renewed dedication among educators to support their organizations, even in the face of legislative obstacles. Some Republican lawmakers in Florida have proposed additional bills to impose further restrictions on public sector unions, though these measures were ultimately not passed before the end of the legislative session.

In addition to facing legislative challenges, teachers in Orange County have recently filed a lawsuit against the Orange County Public Schools, alleging a violation of the state constitution concerning negotiations about teacher evaluations during collective bargaining. The district’s officials contend that evaluations are considered a management right under existing law, indicating a contentious dispute that may further impact union dynamics.

Teachers across the state have emphasized the importance of their unions in advocating for fair working conditions, especially given the rising costs of living and inflation. This ongoing struggle highlights the critical role of unions in representing the interests and rights of public sector workers in Florida, even amid substantial legislative hurdles.