Over the past two days, in Gainesville, FL, the ATU Florida State Legislative Conference brought together Locals from across the state

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Over the past two days, in Gainesville, FL, the ATU Florida State Legislative Conference brought together Locals from across the state

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Over the past two days, in Gainesville, FL, the ATU Florida State Legislative Conference brought together Locals from across the state to discuss important political and legislative issues impacting our members and Locals.

International President John Costa addressed those in attendance, thanking them for their commitment to our members and Union, and spoke about the challenges our Locals in Florida are facing as well as our Union as a whole. "I am proud of the work you have done to push back against the union busting SB256," said Costa. "I use you as an example of how to successfully fight back. In the next few months, we have one of the most critical elections in our country's history and we can't stop now. Remember, elections have consequences. Project 2025 is no joke. They're coming for us, including banning unions for public service workers. I don't tell people who to vote for, but I tell them to vote for your pockets, vote for your jobs, vote for your families. We have to be prepared, mobilize our members, get our members to contribute to COPE, and get involved with your State Labor Councils and elected officials across the state in order to win. Together, we're united and ready for the challenges ahead."

Throughout the meeting, attendees also heard from an esteemed group of speakers, including the Mayor of Gainesville Harvey Ward, Gainesville City Commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut, State Representative Yvonne Hinson, and Florida AFL-CIO Director of Politics and Public Policy Rich Templin.