Here's what you need to know this week:
Florida's broken unemployment system has been dominating the news. Millions are out of work, but only thousands are receiving benefits. The governor has the power to fix this now, and we're putting a lot of pressure on him to do so. The Florida AFL-CIO is collecting video testimonials from those who have been unemployed due to this crisis to help exert this pressure. If you follow us on social media, you have probably already seen one or more of these which have already been completed. These videos are powerful, and they effectively speak to the dire need for a change in our unemployment system. If you or someone you know (union member or not) has been affected by this crisis and wants to share their unemployment story in the form of a video testimonial, please reach out to us by responding to this email!
Also, if you haven't already, you can share your story and/or sign our petition to the governor at www.flworkersneedrelief.com
Here's what's coming up:
For the time being, most future meetings are being replaced with Zoom meetings. For those unfamiliar with Zoom, we highly recommend you attend one of the free digital trainings offered by the AFL-CIO. There are the most recent training took place yesterday, but more are always being added to the schedule. You can get more info on these trainings and sign up by following THIS LINK. Stay tuned for more info on future events.
Keep in Mind:
The rules of the game are changing. As workers face challenges like never before in struggling with a pandemic, many are seeing that they lack even basic protection on the job. As a result, workers across the country are standing up. Workers who were often condemned mere months ago for fighting for basic living wages, benefits, and working conditions are now being praised as essential heroes. President Richard Trumka of the AFL-CIO put it best: "These workers have always been heroes". Workers across all industries are standing up. Just this month, in our neck of the woods, employees at the Bradenton Herald announced a union drive, joining a growing number of newsrooms around the US that are organizing. We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for this activity, help out when you can, and never cross a picket line!
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!