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Issue Explainer

Workers' Rights

Educators and all public-service employees deserve the right to negotiate over pay, benefits, and working conditions. Currently, they lack a federal law that would guarantee these protections.
NEA Members rally Red For Ed at the RA
Published: December 2, 2021

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act (PSFNA) would provide public sector workers the right to join a labor union and to bargain collectively for fair wages, workplace safety and access to healthcare 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. 

The National Education Association, and our labor union partners, continue to fight to improve the working conditions and lives of our members. 

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

  • Support

    HR 2743 Raise the Wage Act of 2025 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on April 8, 2025

    The bicameral Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would increase the federal minimum wage to $17 by 2030, benefiting all low-wage earners—including many of the education support professionals who staff our nation’s schools.

  • Support

    S 1352 Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on April 8, 2025

    This bicameral legislation would guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections.

  • Support

    S 1332 Raise the Wage Act of 2025 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on April 8, 2025

    The bicameral Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would increase the federal minimum wage to $17 by 2030, benefiting all low-wage earners—including many of the education support professionals who staff our nation’s schools.

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

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.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

Are you an affiliate?

Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Educators collaborating around a table

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.
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Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.