Originally published on Labor Today
National Education Association Staff Organization (NEASO) members went on strike on July 5th after a month-long standoff with NEA management. They accuse the NEA of wage theft, and denying holiday pay. NEA leadership has also been accused of outsourcing more than $50 million of bargaining-unit work to contractors such as “$8500 for three days of hairstyling by the NEA president”. The situation finally culminated in a legally protected 3-day strike during the NEA national convention in Philadelphia on July 5th, effectively canceling the convention. During the strike, many NEA members refused to cross the picket line in solidarity with their fellow union members.
Following the strike, NEASO members allege that they have been locked out from work, that access to their work cell phones and accounts was cut, and that their return travel and hotel rooms were also canceled. Since then, negotiations have stalled, and the workers have maintained the picket line at the NEA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, the NEA displays the same union-busting tactics of the worst school districts and companies, at one point even threatening to cut off the health insurance of lock-out workers.
As a member of the NEA myself, I believe that the NEA’s stance is a betrayal of its stated core values. How can an organization advocate for students and teachers while neglecting its own staff’s welfare? How can I advocate for my students the importance of unions in maintaining our standard of living when my union is displaying these disgusting union-busting tactics? This contradiction has eroded trust and damaged the NEA’s credibility, calling into question its commitment to its professed ideals. As the strike continues, the NEA must reflect on its actions and the message it sends to its members and the public. It’s time for the association to listen, engage in sincere negotiations, and resolve this conflict by addressing NEASO’s legitimate concerns. The road to resolution is clear: respect, fairness, open dialogue, and a fair deal.
