Here's what you need to know this week:
Public education in Florida is in critical condition. Florida consistently ranks as one of the lowest states in the nation for teacher pay, many counties have teacher and staff shortages in the hundreds or even thousands, and countless schools are in an infrastructure crisis with help only coming from local tax referendums. All of this, and much more, while the system continues to siphon money out of the pot for charter schools that have little to no accountability in the education of our students.
Our sisters and brothers have had enough, and we're prepared to stand with them. Public education affects nearly every aspect of our society. The builders of the structures we work in, the makers and deliverers of the goods we use, and the providers of the services we use every day all began their lives under the guidance of teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and other school employees.
The Florida Education Association, the statewide organization of education unions, is organizing a rally in Tallahassee on January 13th, the day before legislative session begins. 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! If you agree that enough is enough, we hope you'll join us as we Take on Tallahassee. Please note that this is not a work stoppage, but a message of strength. For more information on how to attend in your area, please see the following links:
POLK COUNTY
Official Polk Bus Sign-Up Link
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
To Sign-Up for the Hillsborough Bus, Call 813-238-7902
MANATEE COUNTY
Official Manatee Bus Sign-Up Link
HERNANDO COUNTY
Official Hernando Bus Sign-Up Link
CITRUS COUNTY
Official Citrus Bus Sign-Up Link
Here's what's coming up:
There are no major events in the next week, but please remember that we are still recruiting for Working Families Lobby Corps to make sure our legislator's offices are filled with union members THROUGHOUT Legislative Session. Session begins on January 14th and we'll need all hands on deck. To sign-up, become a program sponsor, or get more information, please use THIS LINK or reach out to us directly!
Keep in Mind:
We've been sending out word for awhile that we need a better NAFTA. As negotiations come to a close, and against what seemed to be all odds, the USMCA (The United States - Mexico - Canada Agreement) seems to have some wins for workers. For more information, and to read the official press release from the AFL-CIO on the new agreement, CLICK HERE.
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!