TSA Officers Defeat Privatization at TPA, Polk Teachers Contend with SB 1296
Here's what you need to know this week:
TSA Officers Defeat Privatization at Tampa Int'l Airport
In previous weeks, we covered the pushback to TPA's acceptance into the TSA Gold+ program, an effort by TSA brass to privatize the security operations of our nation's airports. This week, TPA announced in a press release that it was reversing course on that decision. While TPA frames the decision as a part of their "review" of the TSA Gold+, we know that it was the sustained pressure of AFGE 556 members, the traveling public, and pro-working-family elected officials that forced TPA's hand.
AFGE members at TPA, Photo: Dave Decker
First to print TPA's reversal was Creative Loafing who spoke with AFGE 556 steward Mark Harris before the announcement, "You have 700 officers that will lose all of their federal benefits. There is no [union] contract, there is no AFGE. We are gone." While Monday's announcement leaves AFGE members at TPA safe for now, new TSA administrator David Cummins is dropping the "TSA Gold+" branding as its privatization effort in favor of an expansion of the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), a security privatization scheme that has existed at smaller airports and San Francisco International Airport since 2002. While we celebrate our victory today, labor remains poised to fight off the privatization of good union, public-sector jobs.
Polk Teachers Prepare to Contend with SB 1296
Since 2023, public-sector unions have been required to seek recertification if less than 60% of workers in a bargaining unit are paying dues. This year, lawmakers added another requirement: At least 50% of workers in a bargaining unit must vote in the recertification election.
Polk Education Association, led by WCFLC President Stephanie Yocum, is the first large public sector union to contend with the new 50% voter turnout requirement. President Yocum told, Bay News 9, “So with all of this, it’s been an attempt to undermine our constitutional right to collectively bargain in the state of Florida because when we have a constitutional right to collectively bargain, people have power," Yocum said. "Power in what their working conditions look like, what their wages look like, also that we can fight for a better life."
President Yocum expects ballots to be mailed to employees no sooner than November. Watch the full Bay News 9 Story here: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/08/20/polk-teachers-union-to-face-critical-recertification-election-future-uncertain
New AFSCME President & Secretary-Treasurer
Last Thursday, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) closed out its 47th International Convention with its election of Patrick Moran as its fifth President and Nicole Pollard as Secretary-Treasurer. See the full AFSCME press release below:
CHICAGO – Today at AFSCME’s 47th International Convention in Chicago, Patrick Moran was elected as AFSCME International President. Nicole Pollard was elected International Secretary-Treasurer.
Moran previously served as an AFSCME International Vice President and Maryland Council 3 President, where he has successfully worked to expand collective bargaining for Maryland public service workers, strengthen safety standards, and build power by growing membership.
“I am honored to accept this responsibility. Nicole and I are ready to meet this moment,” said Moran. “For 90 years, AFSCME members have been shaping and making history. Every generation of our union has faced its defining moment. Now it’s our turn. We will fight and build power like our future depends on it because it does. We will protect our neighbors and strengthen our communities. This is our fight, and together, we’ve got the power to make change.”
From the cultural sector to higher education to health care, AFSCME has led a wave of new organizing — securing a voice on the job for workers even in the face of nonstop attacks on funding for public services and the freedom of workers to collectively bargain.
Moran and Pollard ran as a ticket, pledging to build on that momentum by investing in bold, direct member engagement and mobilization. Their platform focused on growing worker power, protecting and expanding public services, and improving the lives of working people by taking on the fights ahead.
Nicole Pollard, an AFSCME member for 23 years, served as AFSCME International Executive Assistant to former President Lee Saunders. She makes history as the first African American woman to become AFSCME’s Secretary-Treasurer.
Here's What's Coming Up:
9/3: Central Florida Jobs with Justice Hillsborough Regional Membership Meeting
See the invite below to our partner organization's meeting. All union members and members of allied community organizaitons are welcome to attend. Contact Brittany (brittany@cfjwj.org) to RSVP:
The meeting will be held at C.Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Libraryfrom 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We will be hosting a warm meal from 6-6:30pm, allowing some time to eat and decompress with friends in a safe space before our meeting starts at 6:30pm. Please let me know if you or someone from your organization can make it by responding to this email. If you have any dietary restrictions, uplift that to me immediately. I cannot wait to build power with you!
9/7: WCFLC Labor Day Picnics
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.
If you wish to share full details about this event, feel free to share our Mobilize link: https://bit.ly/laborday26
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.
Save the Date 12/12: Miami Labor Notes Troublemaker School
Labor Notes is returning to Florida for one of its famous Troublemaker Schools. This one-day training is great for rank-and-file members and stewards. Popular trainings include "Secrets of a Successful Organizer," "Assertive Grievance Handling," and "Dealing with Difficult Supervisors."
The trainings will take place Saturday, December 12 at Beyond the Bars's office in Miami. We will share registration details when they become available, just save the date for now!
That's all for this week! Check out our website at wcflc.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.