May 6, 2006

Contact: Will Potter   (202) 822-7823

Teachers Unions Merge in NY:
NEA Grows to Largest Union in U.S. History

WASHINGTON --The National Education Association approved Saturday the affiliation of the New York State United Teachers NEA-AFT effective September 1. NEA, the largest labor union in American history, will now grow to 3.2 million members.

This new organization is the result of a merger between the two teachers union affiliates in New York -- NEA-NY and New York State United Teachers, which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers. The NEA Executive Committee took action Saturday, following Friday's unanimous delegate vote of NYSUT to create a single, united public education union for the State of New York.

"This is a historic step for NEA, for teachers and other educators, and most importantly for our students in public schools," said NEA President Reg Weaver. "Joining forces will allow us to better advocate for great public schools for every child, and protect the right of every child to a quality public education."

Members of both unions said they look forward to working together to ensure a smooth transition, and to better advocate for quality public schools.

"Our coming together will give public education, and public school educators, a stronger voice in the classroom, in the state legislature, and at the national level," Weaver said. "Now more than ever, public education and our students need united advocates to ensure that all children are able to maximize their potential and realize their basic right, access to great public schools."

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.