Posts tagged Fair Share amendment
NEA Spends $4.M in Dues to Pass “Fair Share,” Amendment in Massachusetts
February 20, 2024 // Teachers may be surprised to learn that while the NEA has a state chapter in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA), dues used to fund this ballot question were collected from NEA members across the country. This is due to the structure of NEA and its affiliates. Known as “unified dues,” members of a local union are also simultaneously members of their state and national-level unions, and the dues they pay each month are divided between all three unions. With dues climbing precipitously each year, an estimated 84.4% of dues collected at the local level in Massachusetts are funneled directly to the MTA and NEA, according to a new report from the Pioneer Institute. Given that the NEA spent less than 7% of its operational budget on local representational activities nationwide, this vast centralization of wealth has allowed the NEA to significantly influence policies and politics in key states like Massachusetts.
Teachers Union Strike in Mass. Amid Statewide Revenue Deficits
February 11, 2024 // Nearly two weeks later, and close to a million dollars in fines incurred by the illegal strike, the NTA and the District finally agreed to a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment through fiscal year 2025, a 3.25 percent increase by 2026, and a .75 percent increase for 2027—a stepped total of 12.6 percent over four years. According to the NTA, the deal includes “the best parental leave benefits in the state,” with 10 additional paid days by the district. According to Newton officials, however, the deal cost their residents an additional $53 million more than budgeted. In March of 2023, Newton residents voted 53-47 against additional tax increases proposed to cover increased spending. Without the additional tax revenues to fund the union’s demands, Newton city Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, said during negotiations that the city would need to layoff teachers and other city employees, such as police and firefighters, to meet the bargaining demands.