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USF service workers ratify new contract, FL AFL-CIO Convention Info

Alec Wilcosky
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Here's what you need to know this week:
 

 


 

32BJ SEIU Service Workers Ratify First Contract with SSC at USF

In a previous Labor Report, we shared the story of USF service workers' union journey. First, as a group of public sector workers whose union was decertified under 2023's union-busting SB 256. Then, USF privatized their jobs to contractor SSC. Now, these workers have re-organized with 32BJ SEIU and recently held a public action to pressure their employer to make progress in bargaining. Below is an update from May 15 that we received from 32BJ regarding a tentative agreement:

Janitors, groundskeepers, maintenance techs, and other campus service workers with SSC at USF are currently voting to ratify their first contract as an SEIU 32BJ bargaining unit. Their bargaining committee signed off on an excellent tentative agreement earlier this week and member reaction on campus has been overwhelmingly positive. Today is the last day of voting before final ratification.


 

We couldn’t have gotten here without the amazing community support. Media coverage, rally attendance, and petition signatures showed SSC that you have the workers’ back and that a fair settlement was their best option.

32BJ is grateful for your support. We plan to remain active and involved in Tampa Bay community organizing, so we hope to see y’all at the next union rally / picket line, wherever that may be!

Since Friday, we learned that workers ratified the agreement overwhelmingly by 99.4%. Congratulations to these USF service workers!


 


 

AFL-CIO Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States.

Earlier this month, AFL-CIO published a profile on one of our delegates and affiliate leaders, Tihda Vongkoth!

Tihda Vongkoth is president of AFM Local 427-721, representing musicians across Florida. They are also an organizer with the West Central Florida Labor Council’s Coalition of Manasota Unions, having organized annual Labor Day celebrations to show labor solidarity in Sarasota. They are a founder of Modern Marimba, a nonprofit that presents concerts, lectures and exhibitions with the explicit goal of combating racism and other forms of discrimination. 
 


 

Congratulations Tihda!


 


 


 


 

Here's What's Coming Up:
 


 


 

6/13-14: FL AFL-CIO COPE Convention

The Florida labor movement will be gathering in Orlando for its Committee on Political Education (COPE) endorsing convention at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace - Disney Springs. Below are some important notes and reminders to delegates and candidates interested in participating.


 


 


 

Delegates

Local unions should have now received their Convention credentials in the mail. Be sure to check that your local union plans on sending delegates. If you have any questions about the convention or your credentials, please contact the Office of the President via Billy Lawson at wlawson@flaflcio.org. Your local can pay ahead via check while avoiding a late registration/on-site registration fee.

In addition to Convention registration, you may join us on the evening of Saturday, June 13 for the Candidate Reception. Tickets for delegates are $132.43 after fees. You may purchase tickets online now or RSVP and pay later here.

Candidates and Campaign Staff

Candidates should have already received an invite to the Candidate Reception Saturday, June 13 7-9pm on site at hotel. This event gives candidates the opportunity to connect with delegates ahead of endorsement votes the next day. Tickets for candidates and their staff are $263.74 each after fees. You may purchase tickets now or RSVP and pay later here.


 


 


 

Upcoming Screenings for Political Office 5/30, 5/31, and 6/1

Formal notice for these screenings went out on Friday, May 8. If you a member of a WCFLC-affiliated union and would like to attend any of these screenings, please reach out to our Field Rep. Alec Wilcosky at awilcosky@flaflcio.org.

Hillsborough Screening

  • Saturday, May 30 at 9am
  • Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association (3102 N Habana Ave, Tampa)
  • Interviewing candidates from Congressional District 15, Florida House Districts 63, 64, and 67

Pinellas Screening

  • Sunday, May 31 at 10am
  • Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association (650 Seminole Blvd, Largo)
  • Interview candidates from Congressional District 13, Florida Senate District 16, Florida House Districts 58, 61, and 62

Manatee Screening

  • Monday, June 1 at 5pm
  • Zoom
  • Interview candidates from Congressional District 16


 


 


 

8/8: Hillsborough DEC Kennedy-King Gala



 

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