Blue-collar city workers in Brevard County have formed a new union, according to recent reports. The group includes employees in sanitation, public works, and transportation, who say they want better wages and benefits. The union is the first of its kind in the county, which covers parts of the Florida Space Coast.
The workers, who are employed by the city of Cocoa, said they began organizing after years of stalled negotiations on contracts. Union organizers met in a community center last month to discuss goals, including higher pay and improved safety standards. City officials have not commented publicly on the development.
Members of the union said they hope to negotiate with city leaders in the coming months. They plan to hold a rally next week near the Cocoa City Hall to raise awareness. Some workers expressed frustration over what they called inconsistent communication from city management.
The formation of the union comes as similar efforts gain traction across Florida. Local labor advocates say the move could influence future negotiations for other city workers in the region. No specific timeline has been set for contract talks, but union leaders aim to meet with city officials by late summer.