South Florida Labor Shows Its Power at Roundtable with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

On Monday, South Florida’s labor leaders gathered for a high-impact roundtable discussion hosted by United Teachers of Dade (UTD), featuring Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried. While the visit came on short notice, the energy in the room made it clear: South Florida labor is ready, organized, and engaged.

We especially thank President Antonio White and the entire UTD team for stepping up to host and facilitate the event while South Florida AFL-CIO officers were on the road. President White’s leadership ensured a thoughtful and candid discussion on the pressing issues facing working families in Florida.

Governor Whitmer’s message was clear—Democrats cannot afford to write off any community. “Not writing off a community because it looks red on a political map, but actually getting in there, engaging with people,” she said, underscoring her belief that listening and showing up are key to rebuilding trust and power. From economic justice to healthcare and housing, the roundtable centered on real issues affecting our members and their families.

Her staff was struck by the depth and clarity of our labor voices. They expressed appreciation for the quality of the conversation and committed to returning to Miami. We hope this visit marks the beginning of a deeper, more consistent relationship with national and state-level allies.

This roundtable is just the beginning. As we move toward the critical 2026 elections, the South Florida AFL-CIO will continue to organize similar gatherings with national, state, and local officials. Our movement isn’t waiting to be noticed—we are building the table, setting the agenda, and making our demands heard.

Labor leads. Labor listens. Labor acts.