Brothers and Sisters,

We want to provide you with an important update regarding our contract impasse with the City of Orlando.

After the impasse hearing was held before the Special Magistrate on April 23, the City requested an extension to submit its post-hearing brief. The deadline was extended until May 27, 2026. Both the Union and the City have now submitted their briefs, and the Special Magistrate now has 15 days to issue a recommended decision. Depending on the complexity of the issues and the review process, the decision could take additional time.

At the center of this fight is a simple question:

Who gets to decide your value and worth as workers?

Our Union argued that Orlando workers deserve fair raises, stronger protections, and respect for the skilled work you perform every single day. We presented evidence showing that many Orlando workers are paid less than workers in comparable cities and counties like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orange County. We also demonstrated that the City has the financial ability to invest in the workers who keep Orlando running.

The City argued that workers should accept lower wage increases, delayed raises, and management’s position on workplace protections because it wants to maintain what it calls “consistency” with other agreements and limit additional costs.

This fight is bigger than percentages on paper.

This is about whether workers have a real voice in determining the future of their jobs, their families, and their dignity at work — or whether management alone gets to decide what workers are worth without your inclusion.

If we cannot stand up for our own dignity and respect, then management will continue making unilateral decisions about our lives, our labor, and our futures.

That is why this moment matters.

No Special Magistrate decision alone will build worker power. Real power comes from workers standing together, getting involved, speaking up, attending meetings, supporting the Union, and showing the City that Orlando workers are united and ready to fight for fairness.

The City wants workers to believe they should simply accept whatever is handed to them. We reject that idea. Public workers are the backbone of this city, and your voices deserve to be heard in every decision that impacts your livelihood.

In solidarity, we ask every worker to stay engaged, stay informed, and stay united. The stronger and more active our membership is, the stronger our fight becomes.

We will continue updating you as soon as the Special Magistrate issues a recommendation.

In Solidarity,