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

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

UF Health Shands Hospital’s Flight Paramedics, Dispatchers Form Union 

Gainesville – Flight and ground paramedics, along with dispatchers who work for UF Health Shands to respond to those in need around north Florida, and even internationally, voted unanimously to form a union with AFSCME Florida on Tuesday, August 30. The health care first responders are focused on improving the safety of their working conditions, ensuring adequate training and raising compensation to industry standards.  

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived at a time when our nation’s health care workers were already experiencing burnout. The National Academy of Medicine, in a report from 2019, said that 35% to 54% of nurses and physicians in the United States had “substantial symptoms of burnout.”

Then things got worse.

CJ Alicandro (left) is pictured with a few of their colleagues. Photo credit: AFSCME Council 75.

CJ Alicandro (left) is pictured with a few of their colleagues. Photo credit: AFSCME Council 75.

American Red Cross (ARC) workers, including many AFSCME members, are rallying this week in cities nationwide to fight back against mistreatment from their employer and demand a fair contract. The protests are being held in Washington; Lansing, Michigan; Peoria, Illinois; Hartford, Connecticut; Pomona, California; and San Diego.

They collect, protect and deliver our nation’s blood supply, yet the almost 3,000 American Red Cross workers are not being paid what they deserve, lack the staff to do their jobs effectively, face cuts to their health care and, over the course of the pandemic, have often gone without pay and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).