Orange County teachers vote to keep union

The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association on Monday, June 9, joined the Florida Education Association in celebrating the 100th education union to be re-certified in the state.

In Orange County, educators voted to keep their union as bargaining agents and preserve theircollective bargaining agreements. Of the ballots cast, 98% voted to keep the union.

“Today marks a powerful moment for educators across Florida,” OCCTA President Clinton McCracken said. “With the recertification of the 100th education union, it’s clear that teachers are standing strong together. Here in Orange County, 98% of our members voted to keep their union — a resounding message that we believe in our collective power, our voice at the table, and our right to advocate for our students and our profession.”

The OCCTA’s victories in recent negotiations include paid maternity leave, restored planning time, paid bereavement leave and remote-work options. The union ensured recognition for all advanced degrees, achieved percentage-based raises and negotiated a 25% increase in the retention supplement. In addition, OCCTA has continued its defense of the contract and its members’ rights, including protections for nursing mothers and an agreement on Open House requirements.