NEA Today, May 2024

Editor's Note: My Union Bathroom Pass

When I was pregnant with my first child, who is now a freshman in high school, I had to get a doctor’s note to have regular bathroom breaks at work. I was a TV news reporter and taking a “bio break” wasn’t always possible. There are no restrooms on the side of a road when you’re covering a snowstorm or a house fire.

To avoid bathroom emergencies, I stopped drinking water. Then, six months into my pregnancy, I ended up in the hospital with severe dehydration. I was literally making myself sick and putting my baby in danger. 

The absurdity of it all forced me into action. I went to my union leaders and explained that something needed to be done. The solution for me? Prove that for medical reasons I always needed access to a bathroom. This meant my boss couldn’t schedule me on assignments that were too remote or where I didn’t have a vehicle to drive to a restroom. The problem was solved thanks to help from my union. 

My name is Giovanna Bechard, and I am the new editor-in-chief of NEA Today. I know, this story is a heck of an introduction to who I am, but my story is a reality for so many of our members. That’s why we made “Give Me a Bathroom Break”, by Mary Ellen Flannery, this month’s cover story.  

As educators, I’m sure many of you experience this reality every day. This article shows the severe, long-term health consequences of a lack of bathroom breaks, and how educator unions can create solutions for their members. I urge you all to read the story and share it with your local union leaders so they can start advocating for bladder health for you and your colleagues. We’ve even shared sample contract language to help you in the negotiation process. Your collective voice has the power to change things in your workplace! 

Just like I had a union to help me 14 years ago, you have NEA and your state and local affiliates to help you negotiate for bathroom breaks, higher salaries, your professional development, and more. We’re in this together! We kind of have to be now, I just told you about my personal potty problems. 

—Giovanna Bechard, Editor-in-Chief