NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A Nassau County educator is “furious” and “flabbergasted” with Florida legislators who filed bills he said are intended to “bust up” teachers unions, but Rep. Dean Black argues the bills are good for workers and supposed to protect them.
Those bills are House Bill 1445 and Senate Bill 256.
The Nassau County Teachers’ Association President Chris Pagel said these companion bills are a threat to public education, students and educators across the state. Teachers would not be able to have union dues deducted from paychecks under the law.
“That started because education unions have ‘political agendas,’” Pagel said. “Hm, well then that should mean I can’t have insurance premiums taken out of my paycheck directly.”
Specifically, he’s concerned the law would require 60 percent of staff to join the union for it to be recognized.
He said almost all school staff benefits from unions, even if they don’t belong to it.
“Everyone votes on it,” Pagel said. “Not just union members. Everyone. Whatever we get in the way of benefits, pay raises, planning time, whatever. It affects all instructional staff, not just union members.”
Black was unavailable for an interview but sent First Coast News this statement:
“HB 1445 is about transparency, accountability, and making sure that government unions are representing the wishes of its membership. This legislation will strengthen workers’ rights by giving public employees the freedom to join or rescind their union membership at any time without penalty or intimidation. This bill will protect Florida workers!”
The bills do not apply to law enforcement and firefighter unions. Pagel says he’s asked Black “Why?” and was told because “It’s different.”
“If that’s the case, if this is great for the unions, then if I were a firefighter or police officer or corrections officer, I’d be really angry with you for not including me in this great bill,” Pagel said.
Black’s team expects HB 1445 to be heard in the State Affairs Committee after Easter. If it passes, it will move to the floor for a vote.