News

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.

AFSCME Florida Statement on New Organizing Victory in Osceola County

The AFSCME Florida family grew yesterday after a unit of the medical staff with the Osceola County Corrections Department vote unanimously, seven to zero, in favor of securing their union voice and

Retirees Step Up Candidate Education at Start of Critical Election Year

The ringing in of a new year brings with it the start of a critical campaign cycle. While the candidates and pundits have been hard at work for months, most Floridians are just now tuning in. And the candidates themselves are increasing their efforts to connect with voters and learn about the issues on their minds.

Wage preemption, pandemic protection sets labor's 2022 legislative agenda

James Call, Tallahasee Democrat, 12/29/21

AFSCME, an AFL-CIO affiliate that represents public sector workers, will lobby lawmakers to ensure that the $225 million Gov. Ron DeSantis earmarked for a state pay raise in his budget recommendations go towards the lowest paid state workers — not supervisors and higher management. 

AFSCME Florida Members Elect New Officers During Virtual Convention Centering on Worker Organizing

AFSCME Florida Council 79 members held a two-day virtual convention December 10 to 11. The convention was focused on ways the Council’s 58 locals could continue the successful internal and external organizing that has been the hallmark of the last years. Members committed the Council to a robust program of actions to continue the struggle for fair contracts, safe working conditions with respect and dignity for workers.

Raises should be 'for those at the lowest end of the pay scale'

AFSCME, the labor union representing state workers, said it "appreciates" DeSantis recognizing there's been "years of undervaluing" state workers.

But “it is outrageous that some full-time state workers currently qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (or food stamps) even while they administer the program,” according to Vickie Hall, the union president.

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FL is far behind other states when it comes to starting pay for correctional officers

Vicki Hall, president of AFSCME Florida, a labor group, told the Phoenix in an email that the state should also focus on raising pay for other workers in the prison system. Overall, the union is advocating for all “state workers who are currently facing continually rising expenses for food, housing and gas,” Hall said.

Honoring the anniversary of America’s first pay equity strike

Striketober and Strikesgiving are over, but worker strikes are still going strong. As I write this, Kellogg’s workers are holding the line in Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Memphis. Alabama miners are heading into their ninth month of standing up to Warrior Met Coal. And the wave of worker actions demonstrating power and the fight for fairness continues to rise.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders joins signing ceremony of historic infrastructure bill

AFSCME President Lee Saunders on Monday joined President Joe Biden and members of his administration, as well as a bipartisan group of lawmakers, for the signing ceremony of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

AFSCME Florida Convention Call

A virtual convention for AFSCME Florida - Council 79 has been scheduled for December 10-11, 2021. The convention will be held virtually and will convene at 1:00 P.M. EST on Friday, December 10, 2021. The virtual convention will continue Saturday, December 11, 2021, beginning at 9:30 A.M. EST, and conclude when the business of the convention is completed.