JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval Teachers United is at risk of losing its certification after failing to meet a state-required membership threshold by Tuesday’s deadline.
Florida law, which took effect in July, requires teacher unions to maintain at least 60% membership among eligible employees. Last month, DTU needed roughly 900 new members to reach that mark. By Monday, that number had dropped to about 500 — but it wasn’t enough.
The union needed 498 more members by the end of business Tuesday. DTU President Tammie Brooks-Evans told News4Jax Tuesday night that not enough members joined before the deadline passed.
Because the union fell short of the 60% threshold, DTU could be forced into an election to keep its certification.
From 900 to 498: The push to the finish line
In August, the union needed roughly 900 new members to hit the threshold. By Monday, that number had dropped to 498 — a sign of momentum, union leaders say. As of Monday afternoon, 150 people had started the membership application process.
To encourage sign-ups, DTU is offering a deal where new members make two payments and then receive two months free.
Meeks said the uncertainty hasn’t shaken his resolve.
“Even when I’m feeling fear, I have to remind myself that fear stands for face everything and rise,” he said. “Come what may, tomorrow morning when the sun rises again, I’m going to face that and rise as well, and so will Duval Teachers United.”
Meeks added the union offers more than just pay negotiations.
“We want to give them a chance to see what benefits we have through professional development, through support Saturdays for new teachers, through being able to say that we’re not just negotiating pay, but also calendar issues,” he said.
What collective bargaining has meant for Duval teachers
DTU President Tammie Brooks-Evans says the union’s track record at the bargaining table speaks for itself. She pointed to wins like duty-free lunch, planning time, and bereavement leave as examples of what collective bargaining has delivered for members.
On salaries, the difference has been significant, she said.
“The district was offering about $14 million for salaries for educators. And by the time we finished, it was $27 million,” Brooks-Evans said. “If we were not at the table without a seat… they could have just stopped with the $14 million they’d bargain from the beginning to give towards salaries.”
Brooks-Evans also made the case for why unions matter broadly.
“The reason you have a holiday today is because of unions. The reason why you work five-day weeks and not seven-day weeks is because of unions. The reason why we don’t have child labor in the United States is because of unions,” she said. “When people say stuff like that, it’s just one of those things where you don’t know the history of where you’re living.”
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