On February 3, 2016, more than 60 percent of the faculties of Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland and State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota submitted cards to the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission requesting a union election be held. The two newly proposed UFF chapters will join with the United Faculty of Florida (UFF) and all of the other 11 state university faculties and 14 state college and graduate assistant chapters who are represented by UFF.
Both faculties seek their constitutional right to having a collective voice at their respective institutions by forming labor unions, under Chapter 447, Florida Statutes. The faculties will establish chapters of UFF, elect officers and upon being elected in a democratic vote by all eligible faculty will support and represent faculty in negotiations with their administrations in future decisions impacting working conditions, university policies, and compensation.
On Sunday, February 7, the Bradenton Herald editorialized in support of a SCF faculty union. Read the editorial here.