Florida State Council of Machinists recently visited legislators in Tallahassee to discuss the importance of jobs in sugarcane farming and manufacturing in Florida. In their meetings, they shared that sugarcane farming and production support 19,201 jobs in Florida and has a $4.7 billion annual impact, including many union positions requiring skilled trades, such as machinists and welders.
Additionally, they discussed the Florida industry’s diverse workforce that reflects the citizens of the state and the loyalty and respect among workers for the jobs – many are the second or third generation in the shops and factories.
“Our members understand the importance of speaking with the Florida state lawmakers on the importance of protecting the sugar industry,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “The type of lobbying allows our Union to have a voice in the districts where our members live and work. “The IAM members have been engaged with Florida state lawmakers on the importance of protecting the sugar industry and the impact on local neighborhoods where IAM members live and work. We must remain vigilant in protecting the jobs and economic benefits to the Florida communities.”
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