We have some good news: Together we pressured NEA to back off their threat to cut us off from our healthcare and other vital benefits. This is not a show of good faith from America’s largest union, but a show of strength for NEASO and our allies.
On July 7, NEASO members received a letter from NEA Executive Director Kim Anderson stating that “Your NEA Medical, Dental, and Healthcare FSA coverage under the Plan will end on July 31, 2024.” On July 18th, COBRA cancellation notices were sent to our homes. After weeks of organizing and several articles highlighting the harm these threats were causing our members, NEA finally committed to maintaining healthcare and other benefits throughout the lockout. This only happened because we raised over voices, shared our stories, and stood united for union values. We will continue to stand with each other until NEA ends this illegal, retaliatory lock out and agrees to the fair contract we deserve. The Fight Continues We’ve heard from an incredible number of educators, labor allies, and even a celebrity or two. Our support keeps growing because people know that our fight for a fair contract is bigger than just NEASO. As we keep saying, if the nation’s largest union won’t commit to treating its workers well, who will? We jointly entered a federal mediation process with NEA. The discussion between NEA and NEASO to end the lockout has now been moved into the mediation process. This process is confidential so we will share important updates as soon as we can. We remain committed to good faith bargaining and to fighting for a fair contract that reflects union values, respects our voices, and protects our ability to care for our families. We also believe in the values of the labor movement and will continue to work to make NEA the organization its members deserve. How You Can Help Help us continue the momentum by participating in any of the actions below! Organize a letter-writing campaign for NEA members: NEA members have already sent over 800 letters to Becky Pringle and Kim Anderson, asking for their support in ending the lockout and securing a fair contract for NEASO. Member voices matter! Please help us continue to apply pressure by sending a letter (if you are an NEA member) or by organizing a letter-writing party for NEA members in your networks. SEND A LETTER Join us on the picket line: If you are in the DMV area, we will be picketing outside the NEA Headquarters at 1201 16th St NW, Washington, DC, from 9 am - 1 pm ET tomorrow, August 2, and from 9 am - 4 pm ET every day next week. We’d love to see you! Solidarity and support on the line from NEA Members and affiliate staff keeps us in this fight and gives us the energy boost we need to fight another day! Please join us, bring a friend, and share this invitation to anyone you know who might want to walk with us in solidarity. Donate to Our Lockout Fund: We have had supporters from across the country generously donate to our lockout fund. Individuals can donate here. NEA Affiliates, State Staff Organizations, and other groups can send a check payable to NEASO with “Strike/Lockout Donation” on the memo line to: NEASO 6710 LAUREL BOWIE RD PO BOX 452 BOWIE, MD 20718 We appreciate your support! This has been an incredibly difficult past month but having this wonderful community behind us has helped keep us strong. We know that when our union, and our union’s allies, are united there is nothing that can divide us! In solidarity, The NEASO Contract Action Team |
AuthorOPEIU Local 2 is a labor union supporting over 8,000 professional workers in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We represent staff members across a number of sectors, including healthcare, non-profit, and more. Archives
August 2024
CategoriesAll Action Community Change Education Committee Kaiser Permanente LGBTQIA Committee Member Benefits Member Committees New Unions And Contract Wins! Non Profit Political Education Committee Social Justice Committee Women's Committee |
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