FPD

STRONGER

TOGETHER

Federation of Physicians and Dentists

PATCO / PMSA / PEU / SEAG
Affiliated With: NUHHCE / AFSCME / AFL-CIO

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THE UNION DIFFERENCE

How your life is better with a Union Contract.

Union Solidarity

Union Solidarity

Union Solidarity – Union members in “Right to Work” states like Florida pay dues for the security of non-members with the same Employer because the bargained benefits apply to all employees. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Union members in the US enjoy wages on average that is 15 % higher than non-union employees. This may be contributed to, in part, due to the guaranteed paid sick leave, paid vacation, contractual disability insurance, overtime and shift differential benefits that the collective bargaining agreement provides for. Employer provided health care is provided to 95% of Union workers as opposed to 68 % for non-union workers. The US Department of Labor states that 93% of Union workers in private industry have Employer sponsored Pensions as opposed to only 66% for non-union workers. Joining a Union is a no-brainer as the benefits far out-weigh the cost of the dues!

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Job
Security

Job Security

Job Security – Employment in the state of Florida is covered under the “At Will Doctrine” which means an Employer can terminate an employee without notice and with or without any reason. However, employees who have a Union contract are protected from arbitrary discipline and dismissal through the Discipline & Discharge provision in the contract which requires the Employer to employ progressive discipline with a verbal, written, suspension, prior to a discharge. The burden of proof is on the Employer to prove that there was “just cause” for their decision to take disciplinary action against the employee. This is one of the best protections for Union members who exercise their rights under a collective bargaining agreement.

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The “Right to Work” for Less

The “Right to Work” for less

The “Right to Work” for less - Florida is a “Right to Work” state which means employees whose workplace has been certified to be represented by a Union, may choose to join and pay dues to the Union or not join. This law is intended to weaken the Union’s ability to be a strong advocate for the employees in the Union. The solidarity of each Union group strongly impacts the security and achievements that are obtained through the collective bargaining process. The Union contract covers everyone, members and non-members, however the Union does not have to utilize the grievance process for non-members. Also, non-union workers cannot vote on their units Union Leadership, have representation in disciplinary meetings or vote to ratify the terms of the bargained contract. Unity and commitment to be a Union member for all employees is critical to a good contract, sending a strong message to the Employer that there is a community that stands up for each other. “An injury to one is an injury to all”. David C. Coates

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Union Advocacy

Union Advocacy

Union Advocacy – All labor contracts have disciplinary language which requires an employer to progressively discipline an employee progressively through verbal, written, suspension and then discharge except incidents of egregious conduct, in which case the Employer can directly terminate the employee. Employees who are Union members and are represented by a Union contract shall have the right to be represented in an investigatory interview with the Employer that could lead to the employee being disciplined (Weingarten Rights). Besides the obligation for the Employer to implement any discipline progressively and with “Just Cause”, the employee has the right, with the assistance of the Union leaders, to file a grievance against the Employer for violation of the contract for any reason that the Employer has not complied with its terms. The Union leadership may also represent the employee for job reclassifications, impact bargaining, denial of promotions and may file for arbitration or charges against the Employer with PERC, EEOC and other relevant agencies. There is NO charge to the employee for this advocacy.

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Better
Future

Better Future for Me and My Family

Better Future for Me and My Family – Guaranteed wages, hours of employment, pension, healthcare, overtime, differentials, fair opportunities for promotion, paid sick leave, paid vacation, disability insurance, to name a few, that are secured in a collective bargaining agreement for an average period of three years allow Unionized employees to plan their future finances and their lives for the benefit of themselves and their families. No such security is available in “At Will” employment without a Union.

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Seat at the Table

Seat at the Table

Seat at the Table – Union members have the right to elect or appoint co-workers to represent them along with the Union Representative or Lawyer at the bargaining table with the Employer when bargaining over wages, hours, benefits and other conditions of employment. Union members then have a right to review the tentative agreement and vote to ratify by a majority or reject the achievements to be included in a binding contract with the Union representing the members and the Employer. Workers have a voice at the bargaining table and in their workplace!

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It's Time To Organize!

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A message from the Executive Director

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Well, we have survived the Pandemic and in most cases are recovering some normalcy in daily life. We remember those we lost with love and gratitude. The economy continues to have a brittle recovery as well. We continue the fight to obtain and maintain good union contracts for all our members.  

In Florida, we have a new, massive challenge to job security. The Florida Legislature, on May 9, 2023, passed and Governor DeSantis signed SB 256. It’s an onerous law, affecting all unionized State and Municipal employees in Florida, which is intended to erode Union membership along with the existing “Right to Work” law. Effective July 1, 2023, and thereafter, State and Municipal Employers will no longer be authorized to take Union dues from union employee’s payroll checks. Union employees will be required to pay dues directly to the Union that represents them. In addition, the law requires that any previously certified unionized unit or Association, must have 60% of total eligible employees signed up to the union prior to July 1, 2023, or the State and Municipal Employer will decertify the Union in that group. This means the contract will go away and everyone will become “at will” employees that can be terminated for any reason. There will be no job security, security for wages, or hours and terms of employment for anyone employed by the unit which is decertified. After July 1, 2023, the Union’s will have to have all union members sign new authorization cards to authorize the union to bargain on your behalf and to sign a debit authorization for dues deduction to be submitted to the Union from the employee’s financial institution. More information will follow. 

The time is NOW! If you are a member, help sign up your co-workers by hitting the button JOIN NOW on the unionfpd.org website and complete, download, sign, and date your union authorization card now. Send it as directed. If you are not yet a member and want to keep what you have for yourself and all your co-workers, click the JOIN NOW button on the unionfpd.org website before June 20, 2023. This is critical, don’t hesitate. “An injury to one is an injury to all”. Help us to help you make your job, wages, benefits, and workplace secure. 

In Solidarity,
Henry Santana, Executive Director
FPD, NUHHCE, AFSME, AFL-CIO
PMSA, PEU, PATCO 

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