Labor Day Events Announced, Teamsters TA, Celebrate Social Security/Medicare Anniversary
Here's what you need to know this week:
WCFLC Announces 2026 Labor Day Events: Monday, September 7 in Tampa and Sarasota
Tampa
Union's may pre-purchase meal tickets for $15 members; contact Field Rep Alec Wilcosky by replying to this email for more info. Tickets will be available for purchase on site for $20 via credit, debit, or cash.
Lupton's will once again be catering the event: BBQ pork and chicken plus baked beans, coleslaw, mac 'n' cheese, and garlic bread. Drinks include lemonade, tea, and beer.
We will have face painting, inflatables, and a water slide for kids (bring towels!)
Finally, ahead of November's Midterm election, we will hear from our endorsed candidates for office. View a full endorsement list here
Sarasota
WCFLC's Coalition of Manasota Unions is organizing a celebration at Fogartyville. Expect comradery with fellow union members, a performance from union musicians, lunch, and hear updates from union members on their unions' wins.
Florida Teamsters Mechanics Win Tentative Agreement at Penske
Last week, we featured an update from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters regarding their successful strike authorization at Penske. The bargaining unit covers mechanics of a few different Teamsters locals in our state. As is often the case, the credible threat of a strike (and a threat to profits) force management to yield to labor's demands. See below the update from the IBT:
The Teamsters Union has reached tentative agreements with Penske on the Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Master Agreements, as well as the five local addendums for Teamsters Locals 79, 512, 541, 618, and 76[9].
All TAs, which received unanimous support from the negotiating team, are subject to ratification by the membership.
Here's What's Coming Up:
7/12: Florida Future Labor Leaders Solidarity Sunday
Join your local youth branch of the AFL-CIO, Florida Future Labor Leaders, for an afternoon of casual conversation and solidarity. RSVP here: https://mobilize.us/s/VYbLmD
7/28: 2026 Rep. Kathy Castor Cupcake Party!
Who: Rep. Kathy Castor, APWU, FLARA, and seniors all over the county.
What: A party to celebrate another year of Social Security and Medicare,
and to take action to save these programs for our kids and grandkids.
When: Tuesday, July 28 at 10:00 am.
Where: Fair Oaks Park Community Center
3400 E Louisiana Ave
Tampa, FL 33610
Rep. Kathy Castor with members and leadership of APWU 259, Tampa Area Local.
Why celebrate? Kathy Castor has a 100% Voting Record on senior issues, as
demonstrated by her votes on the ten most important senior issue bills in the US
House each year. Go to retiredamericans.org and find the Congressional Voting
Record for every senator and representative in the state.
Many thanks to David Bernstein, Scott Turner, and APWU for contacting Rep.
Castor and for providing refreshments.
Medicare/Medicaid turns 61 on July 30! LBJ signed the law in 1965.
Social Security turns 91 on August 14! FDR signed the law in 1935.
Join us to celebrate Rep. Castor and many years of life-saving programs.
Keep in mind:
AFL-CIO Virtual Trainings
As we get to work to elect champions for working families from the top to the bottom of the ballot, the AFL-CIO has online trainings available on a myriad of topics. Sign up for trainings here: https://www.mobilize.us/aflciotraining/
Upcoming trainings include:
- History of Voting Rights
- Frontline Solidarity: Immigration Tools for Organizers and Activists
- AI: Election Protection and Deepfakes
- Overview of AFL-CIO Code of Conduct and Anti-Discrimination Anti Harassment Policy Requirements
- Know Your Rights: Constitutional Protections and Immigration Enforcement
- Common Sense Economics and Artificial Intelligence
That's all for this week! Check out our website at wcflc.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.