Worker's Rights in Florida

While most Florida workers are aware that Floria is a "Right To Work" state, many may not be completely aware of what that means.

According to the state website (http://MyFlorida.com), Article 1, Section 6 of the Florida Constitution states, "The right of persons to work shall not be denied or abridged on account of membership or non-membership in any labor union or labor organization. The right of employees, by and through a labor organization, to bargain collectively shall not be denied or abridged. Public employees shall not have the right to strike." (http://myflorida.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1065/related/1/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xMzY1OTYwNzA4L3NpZC9wTTQyRklubA%3D%3D).

So, while working Floridians may be allowed to work without joining a labor union, these same workers are not allowed to strike.

Another legality facing Florida workers deals with work and meal breaks. While many federal and state laws deal with working conditions, some things are not regulated by laws but by customs or agreements between companies and workers. According to the United States Department of Labor, the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) "does not require breaks or meal periods be given to workers." (http://www.dol.gov/whd/flsa/faq.htm) The FLSA does state, however, that some states may legislate these breaks, but that in states that don't legislate breaks, these breaks may be part of an agreement between employer and employee.

This is where Florida fits in. The state, in its wisdom to promote business (and, as many would point out, possibly exploit workers), has made absolutely no provisions or allowance for Florida workers to work or meal breaks, unless that worker is a minor. (http://myflorida.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/985/related/1/session/L2F2LzIvdGltZS8xMzY1OTYwOTg3L3NpZC9wTTQyRklubA%3D%3D)

Any Floridian wanting to contact Govenor Rick Scott or their legislators, check out the following links:

Govenor Rick Scott: http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/;

State Senate President Don Gaetz: http://www.flsenate.gov/Offices/President/Message;

House Speaker Will Weatherford: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/emailrepresentative.aspx?MemberId=4399&SessionId=73;

to find your Florida state senators: http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/;

to find your Florida representative: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx.