Utility Workers Union of America v. City of Lakeland

LaROSE, Judge.

Utility Workers Union of America and UWUA Local 604 (collectively, the Union) appeal an administrative order affirming the dismissal of their unfair labor practice charge against the City of Lakeland. We have jurisdiction. See Fla. RApp. P. 9.080(b)(1)(C). The Lakeland Public Employee Relations Commission (Lakeland PERC) failed to apply a status quo analysis and summarily dismissed the charge as premature. This was error. Accordingly, we reverse and remand. 1

In mid-2007, the City’s electrical department employees voted to be represented by the Union. Collective bargaining soon…