Here's what you need to know this week:
We have less than ONE WEEK until the start of the 2020 Florida Legislative Session. There has ALREADY been legislation filed that would limit the very ability of unions to exist by requiring employer confirmation of dues authorizations and re-authorization of union members on an annual basis. There is also legislation in the works that would nullify a wide range of local accomplishments protecting the work and wages of our sisters and brothers.
We'll need all hands on deck to fight this, and thankfully, we have just the opportunity to do so. We are encouraging EVERYONE to participate in the Working Families Lobby Corps (WFLC). Each legislative session, the Florida AFL-CIO's WFLC Program ensures that we fill the halls of the legislature to hold our elected officials accountable. Participants sign up for week-long increments in which they will travel to Tallahassee, receive training, and go on to the capitol where they let the voice of Florida's working families be heard.WFLC is one of the BEST ways to see how government works in the State of Florida, and hope all locals will send activists to participate. You can find the sign-up by clicking HERE.
PLEASE NOTE that all sign-ups are digital and that we are asking everyone to provide as much advance notice and detail as possible so we can adequately plan our efforts and food for attendees.
Here's what's coming up:
- On Monday (1/13) teachers, school employees, and allies of public schools will travel to Tallahassee for a statewide rally in support of public education. This rally is to send a message to the politicians who continue to attack our education system year after year. Buses will be leaving from most counties throughout the state, and YOU'RE invited to join! CLICK HERE for more information on the event and buses leaving from your area.
Keep in Mind:
Our February CLC meeting will be extremely important. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 4th at 7PM at IBEW 824 (6603 E Chelsea St, Tampa). At this meeting, we will be voting on approval of our new COPE Screening and Endorsing Procedures. This will be followed by a presentation on how the procedures will work in practice for the upcoming election cycle. Please note that to vote, you are required to be a registered delegate from a local union in good standing with the Central Labor Council. If you are not a delegate, please bring a signed delegate credential from your local to the meeting so that you may be sworn in before voting takes place.
That's all for this week! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates. If you would like to receive text message alerts from the Florida AFL-CIO (Msg & data rates may apply), text FLUNION to 235246!
In Solidarity,
West Central Florida Labor Council
If you have any comments, or would like something added to the newsletter, please let us know!