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: February 24, 2025
NEA fights for legislation ensuring all workers—both in the public and private sectors—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.
NEA and our labor union partners also continue to secure for women equal pay for equal work. On average, women still earn just 76 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to the National Partnership for Women & Families, with women of color and disabled women earning far less. It’s long past time for this to change.
Bills in Congress
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Support
HR 7002 Justice for Exploited Children Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on January 9, 2026
The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to increase the civil monetary penalties for those who violate child labor laws and set a minimum monetary penalty for guilty parties.
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Support
HR 7002 Justice for Exploited Children Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on January 9, 2026
This bill would increase both civil and criminal penalties for companies that violate child labor standards established in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Under current law, penalties for child labor violations are as low as $10,000 in some cases – and the maximum prison sentence is 6 months, even if violations result in the death or serious injury of a child. This bill would update these penalties, incentivizing companies to monitor the quality of their supply chains.
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Oppose
S 3114 Union Members Right to Know Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on November 6, 2025
This bill would require unions to annually mail or email every member a long list of disclosures that are already widely available and require unions to obtain yearly written authorization before using any dues for activities beyond contract administration.
Letters & Testimony
NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
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NEA Comments for Senate Vote on FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1071)
Submitted on December 15, 2025
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NEA Urges House to Vote YES on Protect America's Workforce Act, H.R. 2550
Submitted on December 10, 2025
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NEA Comments for House Vote on FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 3838)
Submitted on December 9, 2025
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.
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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.
