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 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
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Support
HR 3532 Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on May 21, 2025
This bill would protect striking or locked-out workers from being cut off from their healthcare by creating a separate unfair labor practice category for when employers cut or alter workers’ health insurance while they are on strike or locked out, and violators would be subject to increasing levels of civil penalties.
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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.
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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.
Letters & Testimony
NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
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House marks up bills affecting military-connected students
Submitted on March 24, 2025
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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
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.
Are you an affiliate?
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.
