As a union of public employees, our working conditions are tied to decisions made by state and federal legislators. Unfortunately, many of those who make decisions about our universities fail to understand how universities function. Nearly every legislative session, there are bills to limit academic freedom, mandate unproven educational “innovations,” and interfere with our classrooms. And, of course, there’s the constant struggle to maintain adequate funding for our universities.
Lobbying
We have an advantage in our ongoing advocacy efforts: our location in Florida’s capital city gives us ready access to our legislators. Every year, our members volunteer their time to lobby Florida House and Senate members and educate them about our issues. During the spring legislative session, you can find a UFF member in committee meetings that affect faculty, advocating passionately for the best interests of faculty and students across the state.
Public Action
Sometimes, lobbying isn’t enough and we are forced to take our message to the public. When the need arises, our members answer the call. The image to the left is from 2009, when we led the coalition that organized the state’s largest higher-education rally, the “Fate of the State.” The rally attracted more than 1,000 marchers.
Relevant News
EARLY VOTING BEGINS TODAY, OCTOBER 24
As you are well aware, we are in the last days of one of the most consequential election cycles in our history. We have a choice…
Senator Montford on Higher Education Issues
The UFF-FSU Chapter will be pleased to feature Senator Bill Montford as our special guest for a luncheon on Tuesday, February 26th at 12:30 in…
Florida Supreme Court Retirement Ruling
Thursday’s Florida Supreme Court ruling did more than dash the hopes of more than 620,000 public workers in the Florida Retirement System who wanted to…