North Port AFSCME Local 3432 Secures Strong Contract Amid Challenges

North Port Workers Secure New Contract Amid Challenges

In a year marked by natural disasters and legislative hurdles, AFSCME Local 3432 members in North Port have emerged with a significant accomplishment. Nestled between Sarasota and Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast, North Port faced the wrath of Hurricane Helene even as the community was still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Despite these challenges, the city's workers, including equipment operators, sanitation workers, and traffic control technicians, were compelled to undergo a recertification election. This was due to the enactment of SB256, a law perceived as anti-union, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023. However, the workers remained resolute in their determination.

In July, their perseverance paid off with a decisive victory in their recertification election, where over 76% voted in favor of maintaining AFSCME representation. As the year came to a close, an overwhelming 99% of Local 3432 members approved a robust new three-year contract.

"No number of legislative tricks, traps or misdirection will stop us from continuing to build our union, bargain a contract that we deserve and deliver the services that the taxpayers, visitors and business deserve," said Tammy Bennet, an equipment operator II. "We stood up, stayed united and won time and time again this past year. The revitalized labor movement in Florida will have a powerful presence along the Gulf Coast, and in North Port in particular, for years to come."

The newly ratified contract, effective retroactively from October 1, 2024, introduces more stable work schedules, enhances the uniform allowance, and provides better options for using compensatory time. With a salary increase of 21% over the contract's duration, it aims to alleviate the rising cost of living and attract new employees to the workforce.

"We’ve been fighting and we’ve been winning, and that has been seen by our co-workers across the city," said Bennet. "We’ve been signing up new members nearly every week and now we can get back to our campaign to reach the 60% membership threshold needed in 2025 to make sure this contract is not at any risk."

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