Staff to strike Thursday against the National Education Association
For the first time in more than 50 years, employees at the nation’s largest union go on strike; ULP strike comes after NEA’s retaliatory actions, failure to bargain
WASHINGTON—The National Education Association Staff Organization (NEASO) will strike today against its employer, the National Education Association (NEA), which is the nation’s largest labor union. The strike comes in the wake of an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge NEASO filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The charges relate to retaliatory actions by an NEA manager against a NEASO staff member for reporting a physical assault as well as a failure by NEA to bargain over unilateral changes in working conditions. This historic action is the first time in more than 50 years that NEA staff have gone on strike.
WHO: Unionized staff working on behalf of more than 3 million educators at the headquarters of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest union
WHAT: One-day Unfair Labor Practice strike
WHY: The NEA Staff Organization (NEASO) filed a ULP with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) following retaliatory actions from an NEA manager against a NEASO staff member for reporting a physical assault and failure to bargain over unilateral changes in working conditions
WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EDT, June 20, 2024
WHERE: NEA Headquarters, 1201 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-3290
“The National Education Association has a problem with holding managers accountable for their actions and complying with requirements to bargain with our Union. Until NEA hires a qualified Human Resources Director, who has the credentials to ensure legal compliance and can be taken seriously as a solutions-based representative, NEA will continue to make missteps when it comes to protecting staff and following labor law,” said NEASO President Robin McLean. “NEASO cannot stand by while NEA Management treats its hard-working staff with such galling contempt. NEA’s actions shock the conscience, and NEA members should question how NEA lives up to its union values at its headquarters.”
The one-day ULP strike impacts employees working in NEA’s Center for Communications, the Center for Professional Excellence and Student Learning, and the Center for Facilities Management. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting an act of wrongdoing to Human Resources for investigation.
In late April, NEASO members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The NEASO Board of Directors voted unanimously to call the ULP strike. NEA and NEASO’s labor peace agreement ended when NEASO’s contract expired on May 31, 2024.
You can read more personal accounts from NEASO members and find all the latest news on pickets, strike authorization, and solidarity pledges at www.neasomatters.org/strike.
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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.neaso.org/strike and learn more.