In Florida, North Port AFSCME members end year with huge victory

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.afscme.org/blog/in-florida-north-port-afscme-members-end-year-with-huge-victory

By Mark McCullough · Friday, January 10, 2025

Last year was an especially tough one for the members of AFSCME Local 3432, who work for the City of North Port.

Situated on the Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Fort Myers, North Port was pummeled by Hurricane Helene, even as many in the community were still recovering from Hurricane Ian. The workers – equipment operators, sanitation workers, traffic control technicians and others – were required to hold a recertification election job due to the radically anti-union law SB256, pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023.

But they never quit.

They helped their community survive in the wake of Helene. And they overwhelmingly won their recertification election in July with more than 76% voting AFSCME “Yes,” protecting their voice and the services they deliver. And as 2024 closed out, 99% of Local 3432 members voted in favor of ratifying an incredibly strong, new three-year contract.

FULL story at link above.