Fighting Back Against Anti-Union Attacks
Florida’s leaders are trying to silence us. With anti-union laws like SB 256, they’ve attacked the rights of public workers to organize, speak out, and fight for what they deserve.
From teachers to transit workers, frontline employees across South Florida are being pushed out of their unions and stripped of their power. These laws aren’t just technical—they’re personal. They threaten our families, our dignity, and our future.
But we’re not backing down. Our workers are mobilizing to defend our rights, our unions, and the working people who keep our communities running.
The Problem
In 2023, Florida lawmakers passed Senate Bill 256, a direct attack on public sector unions—and the working people they represent. The law:
- Bans automatic dues deductions from paychecks
- Requires 60% of workers to pay dues for a union to stay certified
- Bans union time for legislative or political advocacy
- Imposes burdensome new rules for union elections and operations
Since its enactment, over 63,000 public sector workers across Florida have lost union representation. The impact hits close to home in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties—targeting transit staff, healthcare workers, sanitation employees, school personnel, and more. These lawsuits and policies are part of a broader statewide and national campaign to strip workers of collective bargaining rights and democratic voice at the bargaining table.
On a national scale, the Trump administration’s 2025 executive order immediately ended automatic dues deductions for most federal workers—with no notice—draining union coffers and stifling collective bargaining rights. These anti-union attacks threaten not just local Florida unions, but the entire foundation of labor rights.
This isn’t just politics—it’s a strategic war on working people.
What Members Are Saying
“They Thought We’d Just Back Down—We Organized Instead”
After SB 256 passed, dozens of union members in Miami-Dade Transit organized a rapid outreach campaign—meeting coworkers at garages, leafleting job sites, and signing up new members face-to-face.
“It brought us closer. We knew we had to fight smarter, not smaller,” said one organizer. The campaign helped their union maintain certification and became a model for other public sector locals facing similar attacks.
The Solution
In response, we are fighting louder than ever to defend union rights and stop the erosion of worker power across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
We’re supporting impacted unions through organizing, legal guidance, and rapid membership campaigns. We’re mobilizing workers to write, call, and visit their legislators—locally and in Tallahassee—to oppose harmful bills like SB 256, SB 1328, and HB 1217.
In partnership with the Florida AFL-CIO, we’re part of the Working Family Lobby Corps, training and sending union members to the front lines of legislative resistance. Through alerts, advocacy, and coordinated action, we’re building power from the ground up—and making sure Florida’s workers are never silenced.
We are leading resistance on multiple fronts:
- Supporting impacted unions through legal guidance, membership drives, and strategic organizing
- Mobilizing members and allies to write letters, attend hearings, and speak out against anti-worker bills
- Working with the Florida AFL-CIO and local labor councils to stop additional threats in the 2025 legislative session, including:
- SB 1328 / HB 1217 (limiting union elections and advocacy rights)
- SB 918 / HB 1225 (weakening child labor protections)
- SB 676 / HB 541 (minimum wage opt-outs for students and interns)
Our message is clear: Florida’s workers will not be silenced. We’re organizing from the ground up to protect our rights and build political power that cannot be ignored.
Join the Fight
Anti-union legislation is stripping workers of their freedom to organize and bargain for better lives. We won’t be intimidated. We won’t be erased. Stand with the South Florida AFL-CIO as we remind Florida legislators who keep this state in check. Stand with us to protect the future of labor in South Florida.
- Join your union or help strengthen membership drives
- Contact your state legislators and demand pro-worker laws
- Mobilize with us during key legislative sessions
- Help defend public sector unions and protect your right to organize
Resources
Legislative Action & Union Rights
Florida AFL-CIO Legislative Tracker
Follow live updates on labor-related bills, committee hearings, and legislative votes in Tallahassee.
SB 256 Explained – What It Means for Public Sector Workers
Understand how this anti-union legislation impacts dues deduction, recertification, and union rights for Florida's public sector workers.
Join the Working Families Lobby Corps
Volunteer to represent South Florida workers in Tallahassee. Meet with legislators, attend hearings, and advocate for workers’ rights.
Stay Informed – Florida AFL-CIO Legislative Action Center
Track legislation, contact your lawmakers, and take action to support pro-worker policies.
U.S. Department of Labor – Whistleblower Protection Program
Learn how to report workplace retaliation or unsafe conditions confidentially and without fear.