News Release

Federal, Public Employees
Unite in Support of Workers' Rights

National Education Association President Addresses Hundreds at Rally

WASHINGTON, DC -- Reg Weaver, president of National Education Association addressed hundreds of federal and public employees this afternoon at a rally in opposition to new personnel rules that will deny nearly 800,000 government employees their collective bargaining rights.

Under the new National Security Personnel System, managers will no longer need to bargain with unions before reassigning or relocating an employee or when introducing new technologies in the workplace.

"As we celebrate Human Rights Week, we must pause to examine workers' rights," Weaver said. "America's workforce is being denied access to quality healthcare and a fair and livable wage. Both are necessities for providing basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter."

The rally was part of a weeklong international celebration to commemorate International Human Rights Day on December 10, the anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The events were aimed at bringing attention to employers that are denying workers the opportunity to form unions, a fundamental right. 

"It is time for the Bush administration to support workers' rights and work together with unions to develop a plan that will be mutually beneficial to both employers and workers," Weaver said. "Today, we are joining forces, globally, to take a stand for workers' and human rights."  

Dec. 8, 2005

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NEA Contacts:

Jasmine Lyons, Public Relations, (202) 822-7228
Will Potter, Public Relations, (202) 822-7223

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.