Brian Nathan Endorsed for Florida Senate Dist. 14

Here's what you need to know this week:

Labor Backs IBEW Leader Brian Nathan for Florida Senate District 14

Following a questionnaire and screening process, the Florida AFL-CIO issued an endorsement for Brian Nathan in the Florida Senate District 14 Special Election that will take place on Tuesday, March 24. Nathan is the former Vice President of the West Central Florida Labor Council and an Assistant Business Manager of IBEW 915. His key platform planks are good-paying jobs, affordable housing, and quality education. You can learn more about his campaign at brianforfl.com and mobilize.us/brianforflorida/

See the Senate District 14 map below. To verify your State Senate District, you can check the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections website. You can request a mail ballot here. Early Voting will be available March 14-21.

Starbucks Workers United Strike Update

Amidst their high-profile, nationwide ULP strike, Starbucks workers have continued organizing new stores. Just prior to Christmas, Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) filed for union elections at 19 new stores in order to add over 330 workers across 15 states to their union. In our area, the Clearwater store on Cleveland Street struck for two weeks with the solidarity of union members and community supporters. A local GoFundMe effort raised over $3,000 to help the striking workers cover living expenses.

Since then, a core group of Starbucks workers are continuing the strike, while many are returning to work to continue building their union such as the store on Cleveland Street in Clearwater.

Rest in Power Alphonso Mayfield

Tragedy struck the labor movement earlier this week with the passing of the President of SEIU-Florida Public Service Union President Alphonso Mayfield. Below is a message from SEIU-FPSU:

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved union president, Alphonso Mayfield. His unwavering dedication and leadership have profoundly impacted our local union and the lives of FPSU members across Florida.

Born in Mississippi, Alphonso understood the struggles of working-class families and dedicated his life to pursuing economic and social justice. Since becoming president in 2010, he has been a fierce advocate for our members, achieving significant victories and inspiring us all

Alphonso was also a respected leader in the SEIU International, fighting for workers' rights, especially in the South. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and our union, as he was not just a colleague but also a dear friend.

As we mourn his loss, let’s honor his vision and commitment by striving to build a future that continues his legacy. Please keep his wife, Alexis, and daughter, Eden, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

AFL-CIO Condemns Trump's Unconstitutional Actions in Venezuela

The AFL-CIO commented on the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. You can see the full International Trade Union Confederation statement here.

Here's What's Coming Up:

2026 Florida Legislative Session

Legislative session begins on Tuesday, January 13. Summaries of bills of concern are below.

Attack on Unemployment Insurance HB 191 (Abbott)/ SB 216 (McClain)

A further attack on our already broken unemployment system
“Promoting Work, Deterring Fraud Act of 2026”
Senate Bill received only two committee referrals, indicating that it is a priority of Senate leadership
- It passed 6-2 out of Commerce and Tourism on December 10, 2025 during Committee Weeks.
- It remains in Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development

Elimination of Property Tax

8 competing House Joint Resolutions have been filed and have advanced in committees that would either eliminate or partially eliminate property taxes.
Eliminating property tax would create a $43 billion shortfall for government functions such as public education, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance according to a February 2025 Florida Policy Institute report. The Florida Chamber of Commerce estimated that if property taxes that don’t go towards public education funding were cut, sales tax would need to increase from 6 percent to 8.85 percent.

Public Sector Union-Busting Bill HB 995 (Persons-Mulicka)/ SB 1296 (Martin)

SB 256 2.0: The bill requires that public employees must win certification or recertification elections by a majority of bargaining unit members, not just a majority of bargaining unit members who voted.

The Working Families Lobby Corps (WFLC) remains the most powerful, organized and effective tool to protect ourselves and support our movement. That’s why we need you in the fight. Contact your local union about sending you to Tallahassee, then, click the flyer below to register!

1/11: Solidarity Sunday with Florida Future Labor Leaders in Tampa

That's all for this week! Check out our website at wcflc.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates. If you'd like to receive this weekly via email, please subscribe here: bit.ly/WCFLC