The hardworking public service workers who keep the City of Venice on Florida’s Gulf Coast a vibrant beach destination have too often had their work go unnoticed and underappreciated. But thanks to their increased activism and membership strength, that’s beginning to change.
“This job is more than just a paycheck. It always has been because it means something to each of us knowing that we are making a positive difference in the lives of everyone who lives here,” said Dan Tucci, a public works maintenance crew leader with the City of Venice and president of AFSCME Local 1718. “But we deserve to be respected and compensated for our dedication.”
Members of the local do everything from operating and maintaining the city’s equipment to handling zoning permits. And they are now being shown respect in the form of a new three-year contract, which was ratified with more than 90% support.
It includes important wins, such as giving criminalist specialists, who analyze crime scenes, and community resource officers the same access to mental health and PTSD support as sworn law enforcement officers.
“It would be easy to say that you should go home at the end of the day and not think about work, but for too many people that just cannot be done,” Tucci said, referring to his fellow Local 1718 members, whose commitment to their communities remains long after they clock out. “So, it was important that we won the support and care they deserve.”
The contract also strengthened seniority rights, protected sign-on bonuses for solid waste personnel, and strengthened protections for probationary employees and workers taking unscheduled sick leave, among many other gains.
The bargaining team was able to hold the line on health insurance premium rates, as well as winning a 3.5% pay increase for the first year of the contract and a one-step grade increase. Workers at or above their grade will receive a $3,000 one-time payment.
“We have had to jump through many hurdles just to keep our contract thanks to the anti-union laws the state imposed on us, so it is extra gratifying to have a contract like this that shows we are making a real difference in the lives of our members,” said Tucci.
These wins are examples of the union difference and the power of a local union willing to mobilize and make their voices heard.