JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Teachers and union leaders in Northeast Florida are warning that Senate Bill 1296, which is advancing through the Florida Legislature, could jeopardize collective-bargaining rights for public employees.<\/p>\n
SB 1296 would require unions that represent public employees to show support from 50% of employees to remain certified, a threshold union leaders say could put contracts at risk.<\/p>\n
Vicki Kidwell, president of the Clay County Education Association, called the proposal an attack on workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is blatantly an attack on workers in Florida. And I hope everybody sees it for what it is,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Kidwell also argued that the bill could remove contract rights and make life harder for school employees who prefer working under a contract. <\/p>\n
Tammie Brooks-Evans, president of Duval Teachers United, said union membership is made up of rank-and-file workers, not just leaders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you make it difficult for them to have an organization that will support and advocate for them, it\u2019s offensive,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Supporters say the bill would ensure unions represent a majority of employees in a bargaining unit. <\/p>\n
Clay County School Board Chair Erin Skipper spoke in favor of the legislation at a recent meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeachers deserve to be supported by an organization that reflects the voice of the many, not just the loudest few,\u201d Skipper said. \u201cThey deserve leaders who will stand up for them, ensuring teaching and learning are at the heart of every decision we make.\u201d<\/p>\n
News4JAX sought comment from Skipper by email and phone, but has not received a response.<\/p>\n
Union leaders and teachers say the bill\u2019s reach would extend beyond school staff to include nurses, linemen, bus drivers, utility workers, and other public-sector employees. <\/p>\n
They also noted that public safety workers, such as police and firefighters, are not included under the bill\u2019s definition of public employee.<\/p>\n
Union leaders urged members and supporters to contact elected officials ahead of the next legislative steps.<\/p>\n
\u201cCall the legislators, call the people you elected,\u201d Brooks-Evans said. \u201cTell them this is not the job you sent them to Tallahassee to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bill advanced through a second reading in the Florida Senate, where several amendments were adopted, including one that would set the 50% support requirement. <\/p>\n
It is scheduled for a third reading, which typically occurs at least one day after the second reading.<\/p>\n
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