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NEA Issue Explainer

Workers' Rights

Educators and all public-service employees deserve to negotiate over pay, benefits, and working conditions, but they lack a federal law that would guarantee that right.
NEA Members rally Red For Ed at the RA
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

The National Education Association and other labor unions have led the fight for better working conditions, including the 8-hour workday, overtime rights, and access to health care and retirement security. 

Educators’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions; good working conditions for educators promote student learning and engagement.

When educators come together to negotiate a fair contract with their employers, they can set limits on class size and address health and safety issues. They can pave the way for community schools and play a role in identifying and solving problems.

Tameka Mays
“I always try to encourage people to get involved in the union. It’s not only about making change for yourself and your students; it’s also about being part of the education community.”
Jocelyn

Professional Pay

Competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators for our students, throughout their academic journeys.
Image of Eloy Delgado

Health Benefits & Policy

NEA strongly supports access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage for all residents of the United States.
woman collaborating online

Pensions & Retirement Security

Pensions are crucial to attracting and retaining qualified, experienced educators in the profession. And that's worth fighting for.
Teacher and paraeducator team

Job & Career Security

No matter their age, from Pre-K to higher ed, our students benefit when all educators—janitorial staff, paraeducators, and college professors alike—are treated like the professionals they are.
Teacher with elementary school students

Advocating for Change

NEA helps build collective action for competitive pay, health benefits, and retirement security so we can attract and retain the best educators for our students.

Know Your Rights

As a public school employee you may encounter situations where disciplinary action is taken against you. Remember, you have rights and you need to use them.
ESEA members attend trustee meeting

Our Voice = Our Power

When we unite and speak truth to power, we can have an enormous impact. That’s why our members join together to create a future where schools are funded, educators are supported, and students are thriving.
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Keeping the Promise of Public Education

ESEA is the largest ESP local in the United States and is a full-service employee association which is an affiliate of the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA) and the National Education Association (NEA), the largest national association representing education employees in the United States.