Florida Gov. DeSantis signs anti-union bill into law on International Workers’ Day

It’s a rich show of power from a governor who’s afraid of lab-grown meat, a diverse book collection in school libraries, and angering bad bosses who don’t want any government pressure to implement workplace protections.

by McKenna Schueler May 1, 2026May 4, 2026

Orlando Area News

UCF students ‘strike’ in support of faculty, against campus ICE agreement

Students at Florida’s largest public university organized a one-day strike action Friday in coordination with the national Students Rise Up movement.

by McKenna Schueler April 10, 2026April 14, 2026

Labor

Poverty or prosperity? Ford’s Garage service charge and 1-cent pay for Orlando servers sparks outcry

More restaurants are turning to a controversial commission-based pay model for servers to manage labor costs.

by McKenna Schueler April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

Labor

Brightline’s union-busting lawsuit tossed by federal judge

The lawsuit sought to overturn the results of a 2025 union election which saw a majority of Brightline’s onboard assistants vote in favor of unionizing with the Transport Workers Union.

by McKenna Schueler April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County leaders back firefighters union in contract proposals

The union has been in negotiations for a new contract for the county’s firefighters for more than a year.

by McKenna Schueler March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers

Labor

Emails show right-wing group gave talking points to Florida GOP lawmaker on anti-union bill

Public records obtained by Orlando Weekly show the right-wing Freedom Foundation supplied materials to ensure the bill’s passage.

by McKenna Schueler March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

Labor

Florida Senate passes bill making it harder for most public employees to form or keep their union

Five Republicans and one independent senator joined Democrats in voting against the bill.

by McKenna Schueler March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

News

Orlando airport authority launches food drive for TSA workers affected by DHS funding lapse

The federal funding lapse began last month with a disagreement in Congress over Democrats’ proposed reforms to ICE

by McKenna Schueler March 5, 2026March 6, 2026

Florida News

Florida bill targeting unions inches closer to final passage despite some GOP concern

Roughly 100 workers testified against the legislation in its final committee hearing Monday. It still passed largely along party lines, with most Republicans in support.

by McKenna Schueler March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

News

Discovery Cove accused of refusing to recognize divers’ union, violating federal labor law

Company management has allegedly refused to negotiate a union contract with workers who unanimously voted to form a union last year.

by McKenna Schueler February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Labor

Florida bill targeting unions could be unconstitutional, staff analysis warns

As written, the bill could infringe on collective bargaining rights guaranteed to Florida workers under the state constitution

by McKenna Schueler February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

News

Florida moves to incentivize employers to make it harder for their workers to unionize

It’s not a unique idea, and no, the bill sponsors didn’t come up with it themselves.

by McKenna Schueler February 6, 2026February 8, 2026

News

Florida Republicans advance bill to allow ‘opportunity’ to earn less than minimum wage

Critics argued the bill undermines the will of a majority of Floridians who voted to raise the state minimum wage in 2020.

by McKenna Schueler February 6, 2026February 5, 2026

News

Florida lawmakers unanimously advance bill to expand protections for temp workers

The bill would make it easier for temp workers to secure stable jobs and establish accountability measures for exploitative temp agencies.

by McKenna Schueler January 30, 2026January 30, 2026

News

Florida Republican says ‘American Dream is dying’ because minimum wage is too high

A Florida House committee advanced a bill that would legally allow employers to pay certain entry-level workers less than the state minimum wage

by McKenna Schueler January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

News

Officials join voices, ask Disney to investigate restaurant group for alleged workers rights’ violations

Disney has consistently ignored requests for comment on calls from workers and lawmakers to investigate.

by McKenna Schueler January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

News

KFC to pay $200K for sexual harassment, retaliation charges affecting Orlando workers

The global fast food giant has also agreed to implement annual sex discrimination training for staff, per the EEOC

by McKenna Schueler January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Labor

Florida filmmakers take ‘human-centric’ approach in documentary on workers’ fight for heat protections

The film “Without Shade, Without Rest” was produced by the journalist-founded nonprofit Six Eye Films, based in West Palm Beach.

by McKenna Schueler December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

News

Starbucks workers in Oviedo join national strike

According to Starbucks Workers United, nearly 4,000 baristas across 34 cities are now on strike amid continued efforts to secure a union contract

by McKenna Schueler December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

MBM Logistics drivers organized with the Teamsters gather for group photo

News

Delivery drivers for Orlando logistics company score first union contract

The three-year contract delivers higher pay, stronger job protections, and fully employer-paid healthcare

by McKenna Schueler December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

BEST OF ORLANDO® 2026 IS HERE. SEE THE RESULTS!