Threatens teachers rights: Local union navigates challenges of new state law [Video]

A local teachers union said it fights to protect district employees and students, but new numbers given to Action News Jax show declining membership in Duval.

Duval Teachers United is the collective bargaining agent for staff members at Duval County Public Schools.

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“We negotiate contracts to secure the best possible working conditions and wages for our members. Our union provides representation, ensures due process upholds contracts, and offers professional development and support to both new and veteran educators,” President Tammie Brooks-Evans said in an emailed statement.

Senate Bill 256 was signed into law last year and states public sector unions must meet a threshold of 60% of members paying dues to stay active. However, it does not apply to law enforcement, firefighters, or correctional officer unions.

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“Despite challenges like Senate Bill 256, which threatens teachers’ rights to unionize, DTU remains …