Hey St. Petersburg Professional employees with SEIU Florida Public Services Union, it’s time to vote!
Let’s protect our union and our union contract. The union difference is clear; we are stronger together.
WHY IS THIS ELECTION IMPORTANT?
As proud members of SEIU Florida Public Services Union, millions of people across Florida depend on us for their safety, health, education, child care and other vital services that help build safe and healthy communities.
We are Black, brown and white, immigrants and native-born. And together, we unite in FPSU because we all want the same things—no matter where we come from or what we look like: to have good jobs, to be healthy, to live in safe communities, and to enjoy time with the people we love.
As unionized public sector workers, we have so much to be proud of. Our union contract gives our families protections and benefits that most people can only dream of having. While others face challenges alone, we have the power of unity on our side—ensuring fair pay, job security, and a strong voice at work. We have each others’ backs as union members and the strength to hold employers accountable when we face injustice in our workplaces and in our communities.
But now we are in a fight for our very survival.
Last year, in their ongoing campaign to undermine our progress and weaken our unions, Governor DeSantis signed a law backed by corporate-funded groups. This new law prevents workers from choosing to pay union dues via payroll deduction. And if membership falls below 60%, we face decertification and risk losing protections guaranteed under our union contract such as wage increases, job security, retirement benefits, and other incentives.
Since our unit doesn’t have 60% membership, we have to vote in a recertification election.
WHEN IS THE ELECTION? WHAT ARE OTHER KEY ELECTION DATES?
- The election takes place from January 2 through January 30, 2025.
- Ballots should arrive in mailboxes at the beginning of the election window but actual dates will depend on the postal service.
- This is an all-mail election using a paper ballot. Please get your ballot in ASAP. Since no ballot received after 2 pm on January 30, 2025, will be counted, leave at least 10 days to mail your ballot back. That means mailing it by January 20 to be safe.
- If you are eligible to vote and have not received your ballot by January 9, 2025, you can request a replacement by emailing the Elections Division at Ballotrequests@perc.fl.gov or calling the Public Employees Relations Commission directly at (850) 488-8641.
BALLOT INSTRUCTIONS:
- Open the outer envelope and read the instruction sheet completely.
- Mark X on the Secret ballot inside the box that states Yes (SEIU Florida Public Services Union or SEIU FPSU)
- DO NOT SIGN THE BALLOT or write anything other than the X inside the Box.
- Seal the ballot in the inner envelope. Do not sign the inner envelope.
- Seal the inner envelope inside the Outer Envelope (See the sample Controlled Envelope)
- Sign and Print Name on the Outer Envelope.
- To avoid your vote not being counted, please complete and post the completed mail ballot as soon as you receive it.
Frequently Asked Questions
I HAVEN’T RECEIVED MY BALLOT OR I MADE A MISTAKE ON THE ONE THAT I DID GET. CAN I GET A NEW ONE?
Request a replacement by emailing the Elections Division at Ballotrequests@perc.fl.gov or calling the Public Employees Relations Commission directly at (850) 488-8641.
I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ELECTION AND FILLING OUT MY BALLOT. WHO DO I TALK TO?
Email – elections@seiufpsu.org – if you have questions about the election process.
Check out the PERC Elections Division’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more information.
You can also call the Public Employees Relations Commission directly at (850) 488-8641.
I VOTED. NOW WHAT?
Are you a member of FPSU? Our union is strongest when members join together to win strong contracts. Also, if we increase our membership density, we can avoid yearly recertification elections. If you are already a member, encourage your co-workers – both old and new – to sign up.
