Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
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Published: December 2, 2021
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.
Bills in Congress
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Support
S 852 Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on March 5, 2025
Collective bargaining is crucial in providing working people with a voice in the workplace and a means for improving their families’ lives. The freedom to collectively bargain, in both the public and the private sectors, helps reduce income inequality and assists low- and middle-income workers in sharing in economic growth. The PRO Act will take several steps to protect worker's rights and reduce the barriers to private-sector union organizing.
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Support
HR 20 Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on March 5, 2025
Collective bargaining is crucial in providing working people with a voice in the workplace and a means for improving their families’ lives. The freedom to collectively bargain, in both the public and the private sectors, helps reduce income inequality and assists low- and middle-income workers in sharing in economic growth. The PRO Act will take several steps to protect worker's rights and reduce the barriers to private-sector union organizing.
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Support
S 408 Job Protection Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on February 5, 2025
This bill would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to include all workers who have been at their employer for more than 90 days, regardless of employer size or hours worked.
Letters & Testimony
NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
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NEA Reiterates Support for Nomination of Julie Su as Labor Secretary
Submitted on February 27, 2024
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NEA Responds to Bipartisan Group Seeking Input on National Paid Leave
Submitted on January 31, 2024
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NEA Comments for Hearing on Updated Overtime Rule
Submitted on November 28, 2023
Professional Pay
Competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators for our students, throughout their academic journeys.
Health Benefits & Policy
NEA strongly supports access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage for all residents of the United States.
Pensions & Retirement Security
Pensions are crucial to attracting and retaining qualified, experienced educators in the profession. And that's worth fighting for.
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.
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.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
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Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Collaborating for Student Success
Successful collaboration requires commitment. The Collaborating for Student Success guidebook includes a comprehensive framework for successful collaboration, grounded in research and on-the-ground practice, as well as a number of tools to support you in your own collaboration efforts.
