The Head of Leon County’s Classroom Teachers’ Association says he’s disappointed by a local school board member’s support of a bill he calls anti-union. Laurie Cox was applauded during Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of the bill. She says it will help to keep unions more accountable to the people they serve.
The new law raises the union membership requirement for public employee unions, including teachers' unions. Now, at least 50% of teachers in a district must be members to keep the union certified. Scott Mazur says Cox’s support of the bill feels like another jab at the district’s educators.
"As Board Member Cox has actually said a couple of times, (teachers should) have more of an attitude of gratitude. And I think even at one point, when she was talking about when the salaries weren't that great, that we just 'sucked it up.' I think that was mentioned in the October State Board of Education meeting."
Another education bill the governor signed last week would give teachers bonus pay directly from the state, thus bypassing the union
