Community

Election Day 2020: Make Your Voice Heard!

Michael Newberger |

Today is the day. Across the state, millions of Floridians from every corner of the Sunshine State will be casting their vote.

This election is a crucial one for the working people of Florida. We have the power to elect candidates that will put working families first. This year, safety on the job, our right to organize, better wages, and a brighter future are on the ballot. If you haven’t voted yet, today is your last chance. Know before you go: click here to see the Florida AFL-CIO’s endorsed candidates.

Polls are now open statewide. Make sure you’re ready to vote: know your official polling location and bring your identification. Click here to look up your polling location.

If you still have your mail-in ballot, you can return it in-person to your polling location or drop it off at your nearest drop-off location. Click here to find your nearest drop off location. If you are concerned about the status of your mail-in ballot, you can check its status here.

Remember: your vote is your right. If you experience any difficulties casting your ballot, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE for assistance.

Union members have been making calls to get out the vote for months and will continue until the polls close. If you’d like to volunteer today, click here.

A better future for working people is possible. Make your voice heard. Solidarity.

Happy Holidays from the Florida AFL-CIO

Michael Newberger |

This Holiday season, however you celebrate, make sure you support our sisters and brothers in Organized Labor by making your celebrations union-made.

This year has been one like no other, but we’re still grateful for Organized Labor, across the Sunshine State and the nation. From all of us at the Florida AFL-CIO, Happy Holidays!

Below you’ll find Holiday guides of Union-made products compiled from Union Plus, the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, and BCTGM.


Union-Made Holiday Gifts

Apparel and Accessories

  • Brooks Brothers (UNITE HERE)
  • Joseph Abboud (UNITE HERE)
  • Majestic Athletic (UNITE HERE)
  • Timex watches (IAM)
  • Naturalizer shoes (UFCW)
  • Nunn Bush shoes (UFCW)
  • Red Wing shoes (UFCW)

Beauty Products

  • Avon (UFCW)
  • Caress skin care (UFCW)
  • ChapStick (USW)
  • Dove beauty products (UFCW)
  • Revlon (UAW)
  • Old Spice (UFCW)

Games

(All made by RWDSU/UFCW)

  • Barrel of Monkeys
  • Battleship
  • Candy Land
  • Chutes and Ladders
  • Clue
  • Connect 4
  • The Game of Life
  • Hi Ho! Cherry-O
  • Monopoly
  • Mouse Trap
  • Operation
  • Pictionary
  • Risk
  • Scrabble
  • Sorry
  • Taboo
  • Twister
  • Yahtzee

Sports Equipment

  • American Athletic (Russell Brands) (UAW)
  • Louisville Slugger (USW)
  • MacGregor golf clubs (IBB)
  • Standard Golf (IAM)
  • Top-Flite golf balls (IBB)

Stocking Stuffers

  • Rayovac batteries (IBT and UAW)
  • Bic lighters (USW)
  • Ghirardelli chocolates (BCTGM)
  • Jelly Belly (BCTGM)
  • Laffy Taffy (BCTGM)
  • Tootsie Roll Pops (BCTGM)
  • Allan peppermint candy canes (BCTGM)
  • Hershey’s chocolates (BCTGM)
  • See’s Candies (BCTGM)

Union-Made Hanukkah

All information is from Labor 411, the union business directory from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Food and drink include those brought to you by the Machinists (IAM), United Farm Workers (UFW), the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), and the Teamsters (IBT).

Crackers and Farfel

  • Manischewitz (UFCW)

Meats

  • Empire Kosher (UFCW)

Wine and Grape Juice

  • Arbor Mist (UFCW)
  • C.K. Mondavi (UFW, UFCW)
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle (UFW, IBT)
  • Gallo of Sonoma (UFW)
  • Turning Leaf (UFCW)
  • Minute Maid Grape Juice (UFCW)
  • Welch’s Grape Juice (UFCW)

Join Us in Giving Back

This year join us in giving back to our communities ahead of the Holidays. The COVID-19 pandemic and the current economic downturn has been difficult for Florida’s working families, if you are able, please help us in providing a Happy Holiday for everyone in our communities. You can find out more about getting involved below.

West Central Florida Central Labor Council Annual Toy Drive

This year, the West Central Florida Central Labor Council is continuing their annual toy drive in partnership with the Children’s Home Society. To remain safe and socially distant, this year donations will be made digitally to provide gift cards for children in the West Central Florida Area.

Click here to find out more and to make a donation.

Be a Part of the Solution: Volunteer with the Florida AFL-CIO

Michael Newberger |

Election day is just weeks away, and we have the opportunity to elect candidates that will put the working people of Florida first. Across the state, Central Labor Councils are hosting digital phone banks as well as other volunteer opportunities. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and get out the vote!

Here in Florida the stakes are high. After years of attacks on the rights of working people and failures of leadership at the national and state level, this election gives us the opportunity to stand up for the working families of the Sunshine State. The current economic and public health crises show us that elections have consequences.

Union members across the state are volunteering their time to get out the vote, will you join them?

To sign up, click your local CLC and fill out your information. A Field Representative will contact you and help you get set up.

South Florida AFL-CIO

Broward County AFL-CIO 

Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO 

Southwest Florida Labor Chapter

West Central Florida Labor Council

Central Florida AFL-CIO

North Central Florida Central Labor Council 

Volusia/Flagler AFL-CIO 

Space Coast AFL-CIO

North Florida Central Labor Council 

Northwest Florida Federation of Labor

Make sure you’re ready to vote! Visit www.workersfirstvoteunion.com to check your registration and learn more about the 2020 elections. 

2020 Florida AFL-CIO Candidate Endorsements

Michael Newberger |

Thank you to the over 300 delegates who made their voices heard as part of our 2020 Committee On Political Education Endorsing Convention. Below you will find the candidates endorsed by the Florida AFL-CIO in the 2020 elections as well as the Florida AFL-CIO’s positions on the proposed 2020 constitutional amendments.

2020 Election 
Endorsements 

President

Joe Biden for President
Senator Kamala Harris for Vice President

Endorsements By Central Labor Councils

Northwest Florida

CD 1: Phil Ehr
SD 3: Loranne Ausley
HD 9: Allison Tant

North Florida

CD 4: Donna Deegan
CD 5: Al Lawson
HD 11: Joshua Hicks
HD 13: Tracie Davis
HD 14: Angela Nixon
HD 15: Tammyette Thomas
HD 16: Ben Marcus
HD 17: David Michael Rogers
HD 18: Leroy Edwards

North Central Florida

HD 21: Kayser Enneking

Volusia-Flagler

HD 27: Dolores Guzman

Central Florida

CD 9: Darren Soto
CD 10: Val Demings
SD 9: Patricia Sigman
SD 11: Randolph Bracy
SD 13: Linda Stewart
SD 15:Victor Torres
HD 28: Pasha Baker
HD 29: Tracey Kagan
HD 30: Joy Goff-Marcil
HD 42: Barbara Cady
HD 44: Geraldine F. Thompson
HD 45: Kamia Latasha Brown
HD 46: Travis McCurdy
HD 47: Anna V. Eskamani
HD 49: Carlos Guillermo Smith

Space Coast

HD 51: Joan Majid
HD 53: Phil Moore

West Central Florida

CD 13: Charlie Crist
CD 14: Kathy Castor
CD 16: Margaret Good
SD 19: Darryl Rouson
HD 59: Andrew Learned
HD 61: Dianne Hart
HD 63: Fentrice Driskell
HD 64: Jessica Harrington
HD 68: Benjamin Diamond
HD 69: Jennifer Webb
HD 70: Michele Rayner

Palm Beach-Treasure Coast

CD 21: Lois Frankel
SD 25: Corinna Balderramos Robinson*
SD 29: Tina Polsky
SD 31: Lori Berman
HD 81: Kelly Skidmore
HD 83: Edgar “E.J.” Bernier
HD 84: Delores Hogan Johnson
HD 85: Jim Carroll*
HD 86: Matt Willhite
HD 87: David Ryan Silvers
HD 88: Omari Hardy
HD 89: James Bonfiglio
HD 90: Joe Casello
HD 91: Emily Slosberg

*Limited Endorsement-Palm Card Only

Broward County

CD 20: Alcee Hastings
CD 22: Ted Deutch
CD 23: Debbie Wasserman Schultz
SD 33: Perry Thurston
HD 92: Patricia Hawkins-Williams
HD 94: Bobby DuBose
HD 96: Christine Maria Hunschofsky
HD 97: Dan Daley
HD 98: Michael Gottlieb
HD 99: Evan Boyd Jenne
HD 104: Robin Bartleman

South Florida

CD 24: Frederica Wilson
CD 25: Mario Diaz-Balart
CD 26: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
CD 27: Donna Shalala
SD 35: Shevrin Jones
SD 37: Jose Javier Rodriguez
SD 39: Javier Fernandez
HD 100: Joesph Geller
HD 103: Cindy Polo
HD 106: Sara McFadden
HD 108: Dotie Joseph
HD 112: Nicholas Duran
HD 115: Vance Aloupis
HD 117: Kevin Chambliss
HD 118: Anthony Rodriguez
HD 119: Juan Fernandez-Barquin

2020 Proposed Constitutional
Amendment Positions

Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage
SUPPORT

Amendment 3: All Voters Vote in Primary
Elections for State Legislature, Governor,
and Cabinet
OPPOSE

Amendment 4: Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments
OPPOSE

Amendment 5: Limitation on Homestead
Assessments
OPPOSE

Stand Up For Our Rights: Sign Up as an Election Protection Volunteer!

Michael Newberger |

This election year, it’s imperative that every vote is counted, and voters are able to make their voice heard in a safe manner. That’s why the Florida AFL-CIO is working with Protect the Vote, a non-partisan organization that’s working to make sure that all eligible voters are able to exercise that right free of any false information, intimidation, or unnecessary obstacles.

We are asking interested members to sign up as non-partisan Election Protection volunteers. Volunteering can be done in multiple ways, including observing your local polling location, watching social media to help fight back against misinformation, reaching out to voters to make sure they know their rights, and assisting voters who have faced issues casting their ballots. There are many ways to help, and all are appreciated.

Click here to sign up to stand up for Florida’s voters. After you sign up, Protect the Vote will contact you about the best way to volunteer.

Voting is one of our most fundamental rights as Americans. Sign up today as a non-partisan Election Protection volunteer to help protect that right. 

Tell the Senate: Pass the HEROES Act!

Michael Newberger |

America is facing an unprecedented economic and public health crisis. Unfortunately, leadership in Washington have taken their time on the HEROES Act, the next economic relief package.

The HEROES Act passed the U.S. House two months ago. Since then it hasn’t been brought to the Senate floor. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell even sent the Senate home for vacation.

While our Senators took a break, COVID-19 cases skyrocketed and the economy continued to sink.

The benefits and economic well-being of millions of Americans hang in the balance as the Senate finally begins to hear the HEROES Act, with the current federal unemployment benefits supplement ending at the end of July.

The HEROES Act would continue Federal support for the unemployed, fund our schools and public services, ensure workplace safety, keep Americans insured and invest in rebuilding America’s infrastructure.

After months of no clear action from our government in fighting COVID-19, the situation has only gotten worse. The HEROES Act is a step in the right direction for America.

Click here to call your Senator and tell them to pass the HEROES Act.

COVID-19 Resources

Michael Newberger |

The National AFL-CIO, Florida AFL-CIO, and our Affiliates and Central Labor Councils are working across the state and the nation to ensure that working families stay safe at home and on the job. Below you will find resources for our union members and working Floridians at the national, state, and local levels. For further questions, feel free to contact us at info@flaflcio.org

National Resources

AFL-CIO COVID-19 Resources: https://aflcio.org/covid-19

U.S. Department of Labor Paid Leave Rights: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Guide:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Florida Resources

Florida Reemployment Assistance, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity:
http://www.floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits

CARES Act Benefits and Implementation, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity 
http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Resources:  https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

Florida Department of Education COVID-19 Resources: http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/index.stml?fbclid=IwAR1aLQuIPj71iFhRWDWqdpC9JWCOsAMFDQIIxUGCWn2vX2JpS7sLDODllJw

United Way of Florida Resources: https://www.uwof.org/

Local Resources

South Florida AFL-CIO Resource Guide
IATSE 631 Orlando Area Resource Guide

Take Action

Donate to Help Miami Hospitality Workers Impacted by COVID-19:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/unite-here-local-355

Donate to the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Florida State Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive:

https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive/2020-donor-drive

COVID-19 Affiliate Relief Programs

Michael Newberger |

Statewide, Florida AFL-CIO Affiliates are working to protect their communities during the pandemic. You’ll find ways to help support them in their efforts below.

UNITE HERE! Local 355 Fund for 
South Florida Hospitality Workers 

Workers in the hospitality industry have been hit exceptionally hard in Florida and across the nation by closures in the wake of COVID-19. UNITE HERE! Local 355 in South Florida is currently accepting funds to support hospitality workers who have been unemployed by the crisis.

Click here to help provide South Florida’s hospitality workers with much-needed relief.

National Association of Letter Carriers and the
Florida State Association of Letter Carriers Continue their Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Digitally

Every year, the National Association of Letter Carriers collects millions of pounds of food to help fight hunger in the United States. This year, to practice social distancing, the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Florida State Association of Letter Carriers are raising funds to donate to food banks across the Sunshine State.

Click here to support Stamp Out Hunger.

Unite Here Local 737 Food Drive For Central Florida Hospitality Workers


Food insecurity continues to rise throughout Florida, especially for workers in the tourism and hospitality industry. Unite Here 737 in Central Florida has been collecting and distributing food for those hardest hit by the economic downturn. Your donation helps provide meals for those who need it most. 

Click here to support the food drive. 

Sign the Petition To Help
United Faculty of Florida (UFF)-Broward College Chapter Stand Up For Faculty Counselors

Counselors play a vital role in supporting their students, both professionally and in life. Unfortunately, Broward County College has terminated 14 tenured faculty counselors. United Faculty of Florida (UFF)-Broward College Chapter, is calling for the reinstatement of these counselors so they can continue their essential work. The Florida Phoenix has more on this story.

You can help by lending your voice to the petition calling for their reinstatement here.

Workers First Caravan: Working Floridians Rally for Economic and Racial Justice

Michael Newberger |

Wednesday, June 17th, working people and the Organized Labor movement took a stand to continue the fight for economic and racial justice across the nation. Here in Florida, Central Labor Councils, local unions and working people sent a message to put Workers First across the state, leading car caravans and rallying to hold our elected officials accountable.

Events were held in all corners of the state, from South Florida to Tallahassee. The caravans focused on the AFL-CIO’s Five Economic Essentials, demands that will help keep workers safe and help America come out of this pandemic even stronger. You can read about the Five Economic Essentials here.

Working people also rallied to protect our Postal Service from the big money interests attempting to privatize it, as well as calling for racial justice in the U.S. and combating the systematic racism that communities of color experience on the job and in our society.

The Southwest Florida Chapter rallied to save the U.S. Postal Service in Cape Coral, you can read about their event here.

In South Florida, the South Florida AFL-CIO, Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, and the Broward County AFL-CIO saw incredible turn out at their events. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has more.

Working people in the Tallahassee area rallied around our State Capitol to send a message to our elected officials that this moment calls for real change. WFSU has more here.

In Gainesville, the North Central Florida Labor Council joined in on the action to tell Rep. Yoho to put workers first and to support the HEROES Act. WJCB has more. Volusia-Flagler called on Rep. Waltz in DeLand to make the right choice for working people. Daytona News-Journal has more on the story. The West Central Florida Labor Council rallied in Sarasota at the office of Rep. Vern Buchanan, while the North Florida Central Labor Council and the Space Coast AFL-CIO rallied to save our vital Postal Service.

The Central Florida AFL-CIO caravaned through downtown Orlando in order to raise awareness for the cause, WESH 2 has more on the story. Members took some excellent drone video to show the full scope of the event, which you can watch here.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the critical need for economic and racial justice in these turbulent times. Solidarity!

Honoring Those We Have Lost: A Workers Memorial Day Message From Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams

Mike Williams |

Today, Tuesday, April 28th, we will remember those who have lost their lives at the workplace in honor of Workers’ Memorial Day. Every year, working people needlessly lose their lives on the job due to a lack of safety standards and precarious working conditions.

This day is particularly solemn in the wake of further roll backs of safety standards across the nation. Working people in all manners of industries and careers are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, they are met with some of the lowest safety standards we have seen in generations.

In 2018, 332 working people died on the job in the state of Florida, marking a ten-year high. Nationwide 5,250 fatal work injuries occurred, a two percent increase from 2017 and over 50,000 workers lost their lives due to the long-term effects of work-place hazards.

Safety standards across the country have drastically declined as a focus on maximizing profits over the well-being of working people has continued. It has been decades since the Occupational Health and Safety Act, or OSHA, was passed, the last major legislation protecting workers to be put into law. In the last few years, OSHA has been purposefully weakened, the administration is currently without a director and nationally, we have the fewest workplace inspectors in a generation.

Workplace injuries and fatalities can occur in all manners of jobs, not just the traditional image of dangerous construction sites and factories. Across all industries we have seen an increase in risk of workplace violence. Our medical workers are at risk of violence and disease every day, across Florida we have seen an increase in injuries and even death for transit workers, and first responders are increasingly met with violence on the job. This legislative session, the Florida Legislature heard multiple bills that would increase the protections for our state’s transit and mental health employees, unfortunately, they were not passed.

Safety on the job has become even more critical in the face of the current public health crisis we are experiencing. Across the nation, we have heard the horror stories of nurses and healthcare workers having to perform their jobs without access to the proper safety materials to help prevent the spread of the disease. They are not the only ones at risk to the virus. Essential workers in the industries that keep our communities running, like grocery workers and delivery workers, are also in harm’s way.

It’s absolutely critical that our elected officials, both at the national and state level, work to enact policies that protect our working people both during this crisis and after. Each one of these losses is a tragedy.  Working people should feel safe knowing that they will make it home from work every day.

Mike Williams is the President of the Florida AFL-CIO which represents over one million union members, retirees and their families in the state of Florida.

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