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Union Dues at Work: Data Reveals Concerning Extremes in Number of Union Employees
posted by: Ruthie | July 30, 2013, 04:50 PM   

This week, the Education Intelligence Agency (EIA) posted a blog reporting the number of NEA employees in each of their state affiliate offices. It is no surprise that in compulsory union states, like Michigan and New Jersey, the number of union employees is far higher than in states where teachers have a choice. The varying extremes in the number of employees solicit further consideration and should serve as a wakeup call to union members bankrolling these organizations.


According to the data, NEA affiliate offices are spending teacher dues on bloated staffs in many states. For example, Wisconsin had 295 union employees in 2012, while a similar sized state– Georgia, has a mere 28 employees. This disconnect is appalling to many hard-working teachers who are directly financing these NEA affiliates.

When these state numbers are combined with the NEA national office, the total NEA employee number climbs to 4,320 individuals. It should also be noted that the average compensation package for an NEA employee exceeds six figures.

While these employees are enjoying a handsome income, the worrisome cost for the teachers' unions is what they will collect when they retire. According to the EIA, funding pensions and health care is potentially a serious problem for the NEA and its state affiliates just as it is for state governments.

Furthermore, this summer the union recently raised their dues by a $3 a person, in order to combat membership loss. In some state unions this increase could result in an additional $25 per year, added to an already exorbitant amount. Instead of cutting their own employees and overhead costs, the union simply decided to take more money from teachers.

Contrarily, AAE has not raised dues in over five years and continues to operate on a lean budget that is laser focused on providing benefits our members need. Unlike the NEA, as a purely voluntary organization, we must focus solely on our membership's needs.

What do you think about this data? Is this an appropriate use of union dues?
Comment below.
Comments (1)Add Comment
Michigan - changes to come
written by Keith, Michigan, July 30, 2013

I'm sure we'll see those Michigan numbers drop since this school year will be the first under the new Right to Work laws.

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