Locked-out NEA staff to unveil Solidarity Scroll on August 5 in Washington
Monday marks one month since the nation’s largest union made the extreme and illegal move of locking out staff during contract negotiations
WASHINGTON—Monday marks one month since the National Education Association, the country’s largest labor union, illegally locked out its unionized staff in retaliation for a lawful and legally protected Unfair Labor Practice strike. To solemnize this shocking milestone, members of the National Education Association Staff Organization (NEASO) will unveil its new Solidarity Scroll, recognizing all those who have stood with NEASO in demanding NEA end its illegal lockout without conditions and bargain in good faith in mediation to reach a fair and just contract.
Over the past month, NEA has embraced some of the worst union-busting tactics that only the most anti-worker companies employ. After illegally locking out NEASO staff and cutting off their paychecks, NEA opted for the nuclear option of threatening to end healthcare coverage of locked-out employees. Threatening healthcare coverage during contract negotiations is illegal in some states and highly criticized by Democrat lawmakers and fellow unions. The organization reversed course after media reports exposed the NEA for using healthcare coverage as a negotiation tactic.
NEASO has received an outpouring of support from educators, the labor movement, and allies nationwide. Thousands of people have signed onto NEASO’s Solidarity Pledge, adding their names to the call for NEA management to agree to a contract that respects staff and the work we do, ensures staff can stay and grow within the organization, and adapts to the realities of the modern workplace.
Since they imposed the illegal lockout that only they can end, NEA’s 3 million members have lost out on at least 43,500 hours of NEASO work. The summer months are pivotal to NEA’s programs like supporting educators and students, preparations for back to school, organizing, critical work to help pro-public education candidates up and down the ballot, including Vice President Kamala Harris, urgent racial and social justice work, and so much more has been halted mainly by NEA management’s punitive decision to lock out NEASO staff in retaliation of a lawful and legally protected Unfair Labor Practice strike.
WHO: Members of the NEA Staff Organization (NEASO) who work on behalf of 3 million NEA members
WHAT: Unveiling of NEASO’s Solidarity Scroll, picket, and rally calling for NEA to end the lockout without conditions and bargain in good faith in mediation
WHY: Monday marks one month since the National Education Association started its illegal lockout of NEASO unionized staff in retaliation of a lawful and federally protected ULP strike
WHEN: noon–1 p.m. EDT, Monday, August 5, 2024
WHERE: In front of NEA Headquarters, 1201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Read more personal accounts from NEASO members and find all the latest news from the bargaining table, NEA’s illegal lockout, and solidarity pledges at www.neasomatters.org/lockedout.
Follow on social media at Facebook.com/NEAStaffUnion, Instagram.com/NEAStaffUnion, and X, formerly known as Twitter, at @NEAStaffUnion
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The members of the NEASO advance the work of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest union, championing justice and excellence in public education. We help educators bargain for fair contracts, advocate for their students, and grow professionally. Go to www.neasomatters.org and learn more.