AFSCME Local 1584, the union that represents bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, and other support staff at the Manatee County School district, ratified a historic agreement Saturday which provides substantial raises for all employees and significant improvements in working conditions.
The contract, which was approved by nearly 90% of workers that voted Saturday at the Palmetto Youth Center includes:
In the summer of 2015, AFSCME members in Florida were facing a troubling future. Their jobs and rights were under attack across the state as anti-worker legislators and organizations were using Florida as a testing ground for the attacks we have seen nationally in the past few years. While signing up coworkers in a traditionally Right to Work for Less state had always been challenging, they agreed that organizing was the key to stemming the dramatic loss of members and turning the tide.
As the the Federal Shutdown drags on, it's created a crisis for many of our hardworking Brothers and Sisters. Most Federal Employees have been directed to not work or work without pay for an indefinite amount of time created financial hardships for families across the country. In addition, many Union workers employed by government contactors have been forced to stop projects as the shutdown continues. As we have in the past with natural disaster relief, the AFL-CIO is stepping up to assist those in need with Shutdown Disaster Relief.
Meet Frances Gillum, mother of AFSCME Florida's endorsed candidate for Governor of Florida, Andrew Gillum, and card carrying member of AFSCME Retirees of Florida. Frances was the guest speaker this week at the AFSCME Retiree Chapter 43 meeting in Tallahassee. A hard working union bus driver for many years, Mrs. Gillum shared that she instilled that same work ethic and respect for the dignity of labor in her son from an early age.
Earlier this summer, Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialists within the Department of Children and Families worked with AFSCME Florida staff representatives to challenge a policy that limited how they could take their leave.
