Charter School Teachers in Florida Make History,
Vote Overwhelmingly to Join the American Federation of Teachers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By a ratio of 4-to-1, teachers in seven charter schools in Pembroke Pines, Fla., voted today to become part of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).  The seven charter schools are the first in the state of Florida to be unionized.  The official election result was 181-46.
 
"Charter school teachers and unions are on the same team, and our vote today confirms it," said Grace Thomas, a third-grade teacher at the west campus of the Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary.

"Irrespective of the type of school, a real voice for teachers translates into students who excel. Ultimately that's what educators want and what parents rightfully expect," said AFT president Edward J. McElroy.

"The AFT believes all teachers deserve an opportunity to bargain collectively for fair salaries, benefits and greater input in making the charter schools of Pembroke Pines schools of excellence.  Today's vote makes that possible," added McElroy.
 
The organizing effort in Pembroke Pines was driven by charter school teachers who recognize the importance of union representation in the workplace.  Pat Santeramo, who is president of the Broward Teachers Union, an AFT affiliate, said: "Today's vote is historic.  It shows that charter school teachers and staff recognize that unions must continue to be partners in Broward’s educational system."

"With a union, we will have greater access to high-quality professional development courses, the latest research and a massive network of other education professionals," said Khea Davis, a ninth-grade teacher at Pembroke Pines Charter High School.

Today's victory adds to the growing list of charter school teachers who have chosen the AFT as their union representative.  In addition to the members in Pembroke Pines, the AFT represents charter school professionals in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.  In New York City, the United Federation of Teachers, the AFT’s largest local, runs two charter schools of its own.

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