Jun
2016 9
2016 9
Sec. Perez on FL GOP Thwarting Local Wage Ordinances: “Ironic at Best, Hypocritical at Worst”
In a recent op-ed for the Miami Herald, Secretary of Labor and potential vice presidential candidate Thomas Perez wrote about how cities in Florida have attempted to raise the minimum wage and fight wage theft only to have their efforts thwarted by Republicans in Tallahassee. The problem is not limited to Florida as we [&hellip…;
Mar
2016 1
2016 1
First Female President of Florida Building Trades Off to Tremendous Legislative Start
In a recent interview for the website Fight for Florida, current Florida Building and Construction Trades Council President, Theresa King, reveals the triumphs and tribulations that have come with being the first women elected to her position. The interview is part of the website’s “Labor Spotlight” series. When asked about…
Oct
2015 30
2015 30
Good Contagious: Two More FL Counties Adopt Wage Theft Ordinances While State Does Nothing
The good fight is being fought…at the local level in Florida? It’s true. Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have joined several of their South Florida peers in passing local ordinances aimed at combating wage theft. For Hillsborough, the decision followed a 5-0 vote by the county commissioners approving a “hybrid” system…
Apr
2015 28
2015 28
St. Pete Becomes First Florida City to Enact Wage Theft Ordinance, Empower Abused Workers
In Florida, the St. Petersburg City Council passed an ordinance, sponsored by council member Darden Rice, that will allow workers to file a wage theft claim with the city without having to hire an attorney or entering the legal system. After receiving the claim, the city is then charged with pursuing the employer. It is [&hellip…;
Mar
2015 31
2015 31
Anti-Worker Lobby Fights Hiring Mandates Aimed at Helping Former Felons, Addicts, Disabled
A Florida bill that would ban local governments from entering into Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) was shot down by a 6-1 margin, only to be saved with a procedural move by the bill’s sponsor, State Senator Jeff Brandes. How, exactly, did he accomplish this feat? By voting against the measure himself. This allowed Brandes, [&hellip…;
Mar
2015 16
2015 16
Political Donations Allowing Associated Builders & Contractors to Buy Anti-Worker Bills in FL
Florida unions and the state AFL-CIO are rallying against anti-worker legislation they believe is designed to “elbow them out” of local construction markets. The bills, which are moving quickly through the legislature, would prohibit Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and local hiring ordinances. They are currently in committee where…
Apr
2014 14
2014 14
Quoting LBJ, Obama Slams GOP-Led Voter Suppression Efforts
On Friday, President Obama wrapped up a week of commemorating progress made by the civil rights movement with a fiery speech in which he lashed out at Republicans who seek to restrict voting rights through unnecessary legislation. Aided by the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down aspects of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, [&hellip…;
Aug
2013 12
2013 12
Florida Oranges? How About Sour Grapes? Gov. Scott Tries Again to Purge Voters from the Rolls
In the lead up to the 2012 election, Florida Governor Rick Scott made news by attempting to purge 182,000 voters from the voting rolls. This was part of a voter suppression plan that included ending early voting, cracking down on voter registration drives, and creating long lines in precincts in poor and minority neighborhoods. [&hellip…;