CEA members secured some big wins this legislative session for their students and the teaching profession: fairness in teacher discipline and termination, closing the loophole on workers’ comp protections for educators, hundreds of millions more in school funding, a committee to rework the ECS formula, and more. Each of these victories represents a hard-fought battle for resources and protections that would not be possible without the collective strength of 43,000 members.
That kind of power gets the attention of anti-union groups.
They see our hard-fought gains—everything from healthcare benefits to safe working conditions and a strong retirement—as their loss. Backed by wealthy corporate interests, and using deceptive tactics that range from postcards promising “golden ticket” savings to emails made to look like they’re coming from CEA, they are hoping to trick you into forfeiting your hard-earned union protections. Weakening your bargaining power is their path to greater profit margins, privatization of schools, and more.
In states where these strategies have worked, educators have lost all their power to push back on low pay, burgeoning class sizes, and nearly every other condition of their employment. Just ask any colleague who has taught in Arizona, Mississippi, Oklahoma, or other places that rank near the bottom for both teachers’ rights and student outcomes.
Connecticut prides itself on a strong public education system, and that starts with a strong education association.
If you’ve received suspicious communications, share them with your local education association president. Remember, we are stronger together, and together we rise.
Check out the advantages of CEA membership and what you lose without your union.
