NEA Locals Round Up Wins in Florida
When it comes to union power, educators in Florida know the value of belonging. A new anti-union law took away the union’s right to automatically deduct dues and forced locals to recertify-making members vote in an official election to state they wanted the union to represent them for all matters related to bargaining. The elections, run by the Public Employees Relations Commission, began in the spring and will occur for locals that don’t meet a 60 percent membership threshold each year.
With the help of NEA, members in Florida are organizing around the issue and informing members about the law, the election, and the importance of mailing in their ballots to keep their union representation. Several locals, including the Putnam Federation of Teachers/United, ran campaigns to ensure members voted to keep union representation. They mailed postcards explaining the ballot, and posted pictures on social media to highlight those who voted while encouraging others to do the same. The efforts paid off and the instructional employees of Putnam County School District overwhelmingly voted to save their contract and keep PFT/U as their bargaining agent. At press time, the Florida locals were 10-0 in wins-with members voting 95 percent and higher to stay members of the Florida Education Association.
Mental Health Support for Students in Connecticut
After a two-year community-wide advocacy effort, NEA members in Killingly, Connecticut received the expanded mental health services they need for their students. The Connecticut State Department of Education announced approval of a mental health center, following an investigation.
In 2022, the Killingly Board of Education rejected a grant-funded mental health center in the high school, and teachers, parents, and students took their concerns to the State Capitol in Hartford filing an official complaint, citing the denial violated the educational interests of students. The community action paid off and students will now receive the mental health support they need, thanks in part to the Union.
Show Your NEA Union Pride
When more educators join our union, we will have an even stronger voice to improve our daily lives and the lives of our students. Looking for a way to start the conversation around membership? From posters to social media posts, we have tools to help!
Download our posters and post them in your classroom, workplace, or lounge to remind your colleagues why we are stronger together!
