Trouble at State College of Florida

Here's what you need to know this week:

Even during a pandemic, labor struggles continue. The faculty at State College of Florida (SCF), represented by United Faculty of Florida (UFF), are bargaining for a new contract, and they are fighting to reinstate an important provision that was taken away from them several years ago.

After it was stripped away by the board in 2016, the faculty are struggling with the board for the return of continuing contract. For those unaware, continuing contract is a rolling and automatically renewing contract that faculty would earn through demonstrated excellence in teaching, service to the school and professional development. This renewal allowed faculty to fully focus on the education of students and effectively plan for the future. Contrary to what some may believe, this status CAN be lost due to poor performance, and in no way makes faculty "untouchable".

Since the elimination of this provision, working conditions have declined at the college. Now, faculty are under nearly constant stress over whether or not they will have a job the following year. Educators, and especially newer ones, are afraid of speaking out on any issue over fear of retaliation via job loss.

This isn't normal, either. Since it's removal, SCF is the ONLY public college in the state without this provision, and it's showing its effects. Since 2016, there have been numerous reports of qualified educators not applying to work at SCF for the specific reason that continuing contract is no longer offered.

Our educators deserve better than this. They deserve job security, and they deserve to work in an environment where the very future of their career is not constantly held over their heads. That's why our sisters and brothers are asking everyone, especially those that live in the Manatee-Sarasota area, to send emails to the board at Board@scf.edu asking that they make the school competitive again in hiring quality faculty by restoring continuing contract.  

For more information, you can visit their Facebook page HERE.

Here's what's coming up:

- On Tuesday (5/26), our Florida Future Labor Leaders (FFLL) chapter will be holding their May General Meeting via Zoom at 6:30 PM. FFLL is the official voice for workers under the age of 40 in our council and in the Florida AFL-CIO, and all young workers are invited to attend. To get the login details, please request them by reaching out to us via email or social media!

- On Wednesday (5/27), our Quad County group will meet via Zoom at 6 PM to discuss local updates and upcoming political efforts. Our Quad County group is specifically for union activists in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, and Sumter Counties, and we invite everyone in the area to take part. To receive the login information, please fill out the RSVP form HERE!

Keep in Mind:

Even though the environment has changed, elections are still occurring. Our council is conducting digital candidate screenings via Zoom, and all locals are encouraged to participate. Our next screening will be held on May 30th. If you'd like to participate, please reach out to us via any communication channel. To keep up to date on our endorsements and political efforts, make sure you're following us here and at the links below!

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

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