SB 1296 Update, Apply to Go to Labor Notes in Chicago, International Women's Day March
Here's what you need to know this week:
Despite Working Families' Opposition, Senate Fiscal Policy Passes Anti-Union SB 1296
On Monday, union members addressed the press before packing the Senate's Fiscal Policy Committee. The Committee took up SB 1296, a bill that seeks to destroy Florida's public sector unions by creating undue bureaucratic hurdles that unions must jump through just to continue representing their membership. Watch an excellent investigative piece from CBS Miami on what the bill does and who the Freedom Foundation think tank is that is pushing the bill.
President Stephanie Yocum speaks at WCFLC rally against SB 1296 Feb. 26 in Ybor City
Below is a play-by-play of how the Committee proceeded. If you wish to watch a recording of the committee in full, you view it here. Discussion of SB 1296 starts at 1:30:53.
Senator Corey Simon (R, Leon County) filed a last-minute amendment that would water down some of the harmful impacts of the bill. The amendment changes the recertification election rules. Instead of having to win with a majority of eligible voters, the amendment required a minimum of 25% of eligible voters to vote, and the union must win by 60%. The amendment passed unanimously.
Public comment on the amended bill was representative of the diversity of Florida's working families along the lines of race, age, profession, and political party, and they all had a clear message: "This bill hurts my family." The Freedom Foundation and its allies mobilized to speak in favor of the bill. Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas and several superintendents and school board members who just do not like have to deal with worker power when they set the agenda for the school district traveled to Tallahassee to support this legislation that would knee cap the unions with which they bargain.
Former professional union buster and Freedom Foundation lobbyist Rusty Brown speaks in support of SB 1296
After questions from senators and debate, the bill passed 10-8. Now, SB 1296 and HB 995 have passed all their committees. It is to be seen whether the House will take up the Senate's moderating amendment. SB 1296 is being heard in the Senate today. The House has yet to agenda it for its second reading. We will keep you updated on developments.
Deadline Tomorrow 3/6! Apply for WCFLC Scholarship for Labor Notes
The 2026 Labor Notes Conference will be held from June 12-14 in Rosemont, IL, outside Chicago. Read more about the conference here: https://labornotes.org/2026 While there is currently a waitlist to sign-up for Labor Notes, WCFLC has already reserved a registration spot and hotel room.
WCFLC Executive Board has approved the sponsorship of one individual's hotel (3 nights), registration, and flight costs.
If you wish to apply for the WCFLC scholarship, complete the application here: https://forms.gle/xQPJwFhCLxaW3Bfv8 Our Executive Board will review applications and select a recipient.
Here's What's Coming Up:
3/6: David Jolly for Governor at AFSCME Retirees Meeting
AFSCME Retirees are hosting David Jolly, candidate for Governor, in Tampa at 11am. RSVP for address: https://forms.gle/aDGFM1cznf7bZKEj8
3/7: Tampa Bay Immigrant Solidarity Network's International Women's Day March
At Tuesday's CLC meeting, WCFLC moved to co-sponsor this rally. President Stephanie Yocum will be speaking.
3/19: AFA-CWA United Member Action Day (MAD) at Tampa International Airport
Stand in solidarity with United flight attendants in bargaining! "As we approach the end of negotiations, our fight isn't over, it's time to get MAD! On March 19, as we prepare to enter the final session, we must stand together and demostrate that our collective strength can bring these negotiations to a close and secure an Agreement that we can ratify. Make your voice heard! RSVP today and join us system-wide on the informational picket line."
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