Manatee County Sheriff deputies turn down union attempt

A vote among Manatee County Sheriff Office's rank-and-file deputies to unionize Dec. 5 failed to pass, according to Dave Bristow, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer.

The vote was not close, Bristow said. The exact vote count was unavailable.

If voted in, The Florida Police Benevolent Association could have provided collective bargaining for deputies below the rank of sergeant in the areas of patrol, courts and administration.

The push to unionize was prompted by a lack of wage increases from the Manatee County Commission.

Manatee County EMTs and paramedics are also considering joining a union.