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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.

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
Broken pencils

Together, we will claim victories for public education

Join thousands of your fellow Oregon educators in contributing monthly to OEA-PAC and make your voice heard!
Oregon Education Association logo

Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

The Oregon Education Association (OEA) is a union committed to the cause of providing the basic right of great public education to every student. OEA represents about 41,000 educators working in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public schools and community colleges. OEA’s membership includes licensed teachers and specialists, classified/education support professionals (ESPs), community college faculty, retired educators, and student members. OEA members also belong to the 3.2 million members of the National Education Association (NEA).