TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — The Florida House has passed a bill that could potentially reshape public sector labor union dynamics in the state as it heads to Governor Ron DeSantis for approval.
The legislation, known as SB 1296, passed with a vote of 73-37 and is now headed to DeSantis for his approval.
This new measure changes the rules for public sector labor unions, requiring that at least 50% of all employees in a bargaining unit must vote to re-certify the union. Furthermore, the union must secure more than 50% support from those voting, a shift from the current system where only majority support among those who voted is needed.
In addition to the voting requirements, SB 1296 also modifies the rules regarding paid union leave for public workers, with an exemption for public safety employees such as police and firefighters.
See also: Florida House votes to let highway speed limits hit 80 mph, axes registration stickers too
DeSantis expressed his support for the legislation on social media, calling it a “huge win” for holding “partisan school unions accountable.”
He responded to queries regarding his stance on teacher unions by stating that they had delayed teacher pay increases, which he claimed was a priority of the state, not the unions.
DeSantis also referred to past incidents where he believed union actions could have negatively impacted students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when they sought to close schools.