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NEA Locals and Allied Organizations Can Build Solidarity by Joining AFL-CIO |
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It’s a maxim of the union movement that there is strength in numbers—the more of us there are to support each other and fight for issues, the more likely all workers will benefit.
In that spirit of solidarity, the AFL-CIO created two new unique opportunities for workers to join with the federation in the struggle for a just society.
About a year ago, the AFL-CIO Executive Council approved Unity Partnerships, which allow independent unions to enjoy the support and strength of the AFL-CIO federation, while retaining their individual identity, culture and autonomy.
Then last February, the 3.2 million members of the National Education Association (NEA) and the nearly 9 million members of AFL-CIO unions entered a historic partnership that will further strengthen and unify the union movement and bolster its ability to meet the needs of working families.
Edward McElroy, president of the AFT, a member of the AFL-CIO for 90 years, welcomed the NEA locals:
The AFT and NEA have become partners on many education endeavors. Having the support of NEA affiliates inside the AFL-CIO’s local and state labor bodies will give educators an even stronger voice inside the labor movement and will help our unions become more powerful advocates for quality education and for an economy that works for all Americans.
Under the terms of the AFL-CIO/NEA Labor Solidarity Partnership, local affiliates of the NEA can affiliate with the national AFL-CIO and join the federation at the local and state levels. Directly affiliated NEA locals (DANLs) will have the same rights as any direct affiliate of the AFL-CIO, including jurisdictional protection and representation and voting rights.
AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the partnership with the NEA allows the groups to “combine our respective skills and strengths” so that:
…we can build a better future—not only for all those who work in education throughout this country of ours, but for our children and our communities as well.
The AFL-CIO/NEA Labor Solidarity Partnership site explains the advantages for NEA locals joining the AFL-CIO and tells you what it takes to join. The site is a one-stop online source for information and electronic forms to help your local decide whether to affiliate.
On the site, you’ll find a copy of the AFL-CIO/NEA Labor Solidarity Partnership agreement and an application for local NEA affiliates looking to participate.
NEA President Reg Weaver and Executive Director John Wilson also answer many NEA affiliates’ questions about the partnership in a memo posted on the site, including the monthly per member (per capita) cost for NEA locals to join the AFL-CIO.
The Unity Partnership site, like the NEA Partnership site, offers relevant information for any allied organization that wants to explore the benefits of affiliation.
Along with the rules for Unity Partnerships, you’ll find the benefits of joining the AFL-CIO and can get info on such innovative programs as the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America and the National Labor College.
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