AFSCME Florida Statement on Manatee County Public Schools Recertification

Today, members of AFSCME Local 1584 voted overwhelmingly for their union through AFSCME with 83% in favor of recertification. 

AFSCME Florida Administrator James Spears, Jr. released the following statement: 

“Today’s recertification vote means that our AFSCME family will enter the holiday season with the staggering momentum we have carried across the entire year. No matter the tricks and traps that have been put in front of us, AFSCME members continue to stand strong, including in Manatee County Public Schools. And the security and empowerment that a union contract provides will continue to be the best treat for workers across the state in 2026.”