Our work continues

While some are happy and some are disappointed with Tuesday's presidential election results, there’s one thing that remains unequivocal, and that is the strength and commitment of this union. 

NEARI’s dedication to the wellbeing of students, educators, and working people will not waiver. We will continue to advocate for our students so they can thrive in a welcoming environment where they are safe to be themselves without judgement. We will fight for education professionals to have the resources they need to provide high-quality learning, and the respect they deserve in the workplace. 

We will continue to fight for higher wages, better benefits, and dignity in retirement for all Rhode Island workers. 

Locally, of the 35 races where NEARI-PACE made endorsements, 30 of those candidates were successful. That means there are new and returning General Assembly members who share our union values and believe in strong public schools from pre-K through college that will provide our children and educators with the tools they need to succeed. We look forward to working with them when the Assembly convenes. 

NEARI is not in this alone, our membership of 12,000 is joined with three million NEA members across the country and 12 million across the AFL-CIO federation. We may be uncertain of what is in store for public education and collective bargaining in the years ahead, but as union members, we know our voices are stronger together and we will never back down from protecting student and worker rights. 

Make no mistake: unions exist for moments like this. 

We are prepared to stand up against any attacks on public education, collective bargaining, and the right for workers to form and join unions. We are called to not only defend what we have earned but to achieve more for our students and colleagues. 

NEA Rhode Island will stay vigilant and work together to ensure our students have the resources and skills they need to reach their full potential, our workers get the support and respect they deserve, and every community across the nation has excellent public schools.

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The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) is a labor union and professional organization with a proud history of serving Rhode Island since 1845. NEARI is 12,000 members strong, we are classroom teachers; education support professionals; higher education faculty, staff, and graduate assistants; municipal and state workers; and retirees. We are affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and RI AFL-CIO. Learn more at www.neari.org.