Florida Teacher Wins Landmark Union Case Expanding Due Process Statewide

Center for Independent Employees Secures Ruling Establishing New Accountability Standard for Public-Sector Unions

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla., March 19, 2026 — After more than two years of litigation, the Center for Independent Employees (CIE) secured a major legal victory on behalf of former Martin County School District teacher Kelley LaBedz, who was forced out of her local teachers’ union after raising questions about its financial practices.

The union, affiliated with the Florida Education Association (FEA), expelled LaBedz after its leadership held a meeting without notifying her or giving her an opportunity to respond.

LaBedz then reached out to CIE for assistance. CIE promptly assigned the case to Florida attorney Matthew Hargraves, who filed unfair labor practice charges with the state’s Public Employees Relations Commission.

On March 12, 2026, the Commission ruled that the local union had committed unfair labor practices, not only by denying LaBedz’s lawful request for access to union documents but also by expelling her from the union. The Commission found that LaBedz “was not provided with even a scintilla of due process” regarding her expulsion.

This decision represents a move away from the Commission’s prior precedent of limited involvement in local union membership decisions. With this ruling, all Florida public employee organizations are required to give their members notice and an opportunity to be heard before an expulsion.

Attorney Hargraves pointed out that the Commission’s decision sets a new standard of accountability for all Florida unions. “Florida’s Constitution guarantees that every employee has the fundamental right to participate in collective bargaining through a labor organization,” Hargraves said. “The Commission’s ruling is a win not only for Kelley LaBedz, but for the constitutional rights of every employee in Florida. Those rights cannot be violated by a union.”

The victory won praise from across the country. “This ruling is accountability in action,” said Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe in a release. “Congratulations to Kelley LaBedz and her legal team at the Center for Independent Employees.”

CIE Executive Director Dan Remmenga, a former teacher, is thrilled for LaBedz’s victory. “Union leadership is not above scrutiny. Unfortunately, teachers’ unions are vulnerable to self-dealing and conflicts of interest,” Remmenga said. “Just last month, two former leaders of the Duval County (Jacksonville) teachers union were sentenced on massive fraud charges. To all teachers concerned about their union’s spending and operations, the message of this victory is clear: Don’t be afraid to speak out.”

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The Center for Independent Employees (CIE) is a 501(c)(3) legal defense foundation that provides legal representation and assistance to independent employees who are opposed to union oppression in their workplaces.