Date of Award

Spring 2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Janet Deck

Second Advisor

Dr. Steve Henderson

Third Advisor

Dr. James Shuls

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how public education unions are maintaining or increasing their membership density to meet the requirements of Florida House Bill 7055. CS/House Bill 7055 was the legislative act passed in 2018 that required public education unions to maintain a 50% membership density for recognition as the collective bargaining agent. Traditional labor union studies typically reflect labor union decline through the decertification process started by the general membership due to dissatisfaction. This case study examined the impact of a legislative act that modified density requirements for public education instructional unions only in the state of Florida. Organizational survival theories of population ecology and resource dependency theory framed the research. Results from the interviews provided insight into the perceptions of teacher union leaders who shared their experiences since the bill went into effect. Leadership strategies, decision-making, and control of resources contributed significantly to the organizing techniques, as leaders led their union families through uncharted territory.

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