Sarasota City Teamsters: Defending Our Bargaining Rights, Defending Our Futures!
Under Florida’s anti-worker law, SB 256, public sector unions must go through recertification to continue representing you at the bargaining table. This means you must take action NOW to protect your rights, your wages, your benefits, and your working conditions.
Soon, Sarasota City workers will vote in a union election. Winning this election means higher wages, better job security, and a stronger contract.
Don’t wait – take action today!
Pledge to vote YES to secure our union and our future. We’ll share updates, info on how to vote, and remind you to vote when it’s time!
What your vote means:
Your Job Protection: Without the collective power of a union, you lose grievance procedures and protections against unfair discipline or termination. You become an at-will employee with little legal recourse or protection under the law.
Your Wages, Benefits & Working Conditions: Without the collective voice of your union contract, your employer can cut your wages, increase your healthcare costs, eliminate your benefits, change your schedules and hours, and your working conditions — with no input from you.
Stop Anti-Union Attacks: Winning this election sends a clear message: “We stand together against unfair laws!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to vote when I already have a union?
In 2023, the State of Florida passed an anti-worker law, SB-256, which changes the rules governing unions. This law is designed to weaken public sector unions and strip away the protections in workers’ contracts. Under SB-256, if a public sector union’s membership falls below 60%, an election must be held to re-certify the union.
Now, all workers in the Sarasota City covered by this contract have the opportunity to vote on whether to keep their union. The outcome will be decided by majority vote.
I remember signing up for the union or signing a petition to keep my union in 2024. Didn’t we do this last year?
Yes, a strong majority of Sarasota City Teamsters signed petitions in 2024 to keep their union representation. Many also became members. That petition was submitted to the State of Florida and helped trigger this re-certification election.
However, due to a massive backlog at the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC), your re-certification election is only happening now — nearly a year later, in 2025.
What happens after we win?
If a majority of workers vote YES to keep their union, Teamsters Local 173 will be re-certified for one (1) year. Your current Teamsters contract – along with all its job protections and guarantees – will remain in place.
What happens if we don’t win this election?
Without a majority yes vote, we lose our union rights, bargaining power, and contract protections. The employer will have full control over wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Do I have to pay dues before we win?
No! You are not required to pay dues in the state of Florida, but we encourage everyone to contribute to the strength of your organization and representation-you are the union! Being a dues-paying member gives you a stronger voice in negotiations, ensuring better wages, job security, and benefits while protecting your rights under the union contract.
Your dues fund organizing, legal support, skilled negotiators, and contract enforcement, ensuring that your union has the power to fight for and defend your workplace rights.
How do I vote?
Voting may take place by mail or in person. We will provide step-by-step instructions when details are finalized.
Can my employer retaliate against me for voting yes?
No! It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, or intimidate you for supporting the union.
I have a specific question about the election, our contract, or another issue at work. How do I contact an organizer?
Please reach out to organizer Caleb Keel at (919) 273-4933 or jkeel@teamster.org.
Have Questions?
Contact organizer Caleb Keel at (919) 273-4933 or jkeel@teamster.org.
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