Newport News Education Association

What does it mean to collectively bargain our contracts? It means negotiating for better working conditions, better wages, better learning conditions for our students. It means unionizing!

The Richmond Education Association won it first, but the power to collectively bargain is in the hands of every single public school employee in Virginia. All we have to do is GET ORGANIZED. Sign an NNEA authorization card today!

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Collective Bargaining Gives You A Voice

Without collective bargaining, your school division can ultimately ignore your concerns and make unilateral decisions without you. Collective bargaining gives you a voice and the opportunity to negotiate for much more than your pay and benefits.

In other states, educator unions collectively bargain for…

What’s the difference between collective bargaining and meet and confer?

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FAQ

How can I get involved?

Sign an NNEA authorization card — this shows support for the NNEA acting as a bargaining agent to win stronger contracts — including better working conditions, pay, and benefits — for NNPS employees. Both union members and non-members can sign.

Come to the Newport News School Board meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at 12465 Warwick Blvd. — wear #Red4Ed to show your support for the NNEA and for public education! Check back on the NNEA website, Instagram page, or Facebook group for more details on when and where.

Tell a coworker who’s new to your school about signing the NNEA authorization card in order to win stronger contracts through collective bargaining! Many teachers and staff in Virginia don’t know about collective bargaining because it just became an option for us in 2021.

Reach out anytime you have questions or ideas. The research shows that collective bargaining can make a massive difference in the lives of staff and teachers – we are excited to hear from you!

Is collective bargaining legal?

Yes! The ban on collective bargaining for public school employees was lifted in 2020. In fact, teachers in Fairfax County Public Schools, Richmond Public Schools, and Prince William County Schools have successfully collectively bargained and reached agreements with their respective school boards.

Is Virginia a Right to Work state? Are unions legal here?

Virginia law (§ 40.1-57.2) allows public sector workers to engage in collective bargaining. “Right to work” laws prohibit union security agreements, which are a particular clause that are sometimes included in union contracts, but “Right to Work” does not prohibit employees from collectively bargaining their contracts in the first place.

Will collective bargaining raise taxes?

Collective bargaining does not give a union the right to negotiate the city or county budget or raise taxes. Only the local government has the authority to appropriate money and raise taxes. Collective bargaining simply gives educators and school staff a say in how the money provided to the school board is spent.

What will change when we collectively bargain? What will a contract cover?

We, as a collective group, will decide what proposals to bring to the Newport News School Board. So far in Virginia, other school divisions’ contracts have addressed salary and wages, planning time and meetings, safety protocols, length of workday, health insurance, and other workplace issues. We also may be able to negotiate over class sizes, after-school duties, support available for students, and more.

Who would do the actual collective bargaining negotiations?

Contract negotiations typically include an attorney for NNEA, some elected officers of NNEA, and other teachers and staff on the contract negotiations committee. The school board will typically send an attorney and high-up administrators to negotiate as well. Before, during, and after this process, NNEA’s negotiating team will always seek input from the membership.

What are my rights if I sign a card?

Signing an NNEA authorization card is not the same as union membership. An authorization card just gives permission for NNEA to negotiate a contract for NNPS educators. No dues will be deducted if you only sign an authorization card.

Signing an NNEA membership card gives you full voting rights in NNEA elections and to vote on contract-related matters.

Even before you sign an NNEA authorization card or membership card, you are allowed to talk about and ask questions about NNEA outside your working hours. You are allowed to attend School Board meetings and show your support for collective bargaining.