Unions
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NEA Names Washington's Stanley Calhoun 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year
WASHINGTON, March 31 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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NEA names Washington's Stanley Calhoun 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year
The National Education Association (NEA) on Saturday named Stanley "Ric" Calhoun, a campus supervisor at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, the 2026 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.
Calhoun's role as a campus supervisor is very visible in the school community, and he believes it gives him the opportunity to remind students that they matter, that he cares, and
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WASHINGTON, March 31 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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NEA names Washington's Stanley Calhoun 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year
The National Education Association (NEA) on Saturday named Stanley "Ric" Calhoun, a campus supervisor at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, the 2026 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.
Calhoun's role as a campus supervisor is very visible in the school community, and he believes it gives him the opportunity to remind students that they matter, that he cares, andthat he is genuinely happy to see them. For Calhoun, a simple wave hello or goodbye goes a long way toward creating a sense of safety.
"I think of my role as relationship building," Calhoun says. "My daily interactions go beyond supervision -- I greet students by name and build trust through consistency. This visibility has created a culture where students feel comfortable approaching me with concerns, knowing they'll be heard and respected."
"NEA has chosen to honor Ric because of his extraordinary commitment to and compassionate care for his students," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Ric goes above and beyond to create a positive learning environment for all students, and he takes the initiative to continually pursue new approaches that help all students learn at their highest abilities and feel safe and welcome in their communities. Ric embodies the core values of education support professionals and their indispensable contribution to our schools. We are proud to give him this recognition and are grateful for all his work in his community."
The Education Support Professional of the Year award is designed to spotlight the work of ESPs across the country and honor one member who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements and dedication to public education. ESPs are the bus drivers who get students to school safely, custodians who keep school buildings and grounds clean, cafeteria workers who ensure students are fed, paraeducators who support our most vulnerable students, and so much more.
"Ric understands that the most important part of the curriculum -- our students -- walk through the doors on the first day. He is an amazing educator and unionist, and an even better person," said Larry Delaney, president of Washington Education Association. "As the NEA ESP of the Year, Ric will be an amazing ambassador for not just ESPs but all educators. WEA is proud!"
One of Calhoun's most impactful initiatives at Inglemoor was launching a racial justice video project, where students of color and other marginalized groups shared their lived experiences in the Northshore School District. In his role as a football coach, Calhoun also led efforts to expand Unified Sports under the Special Olympics umbrella. Recognizing that some students face food insecurity, he organized weekly snack deliveries to local neighborhoods. Staff donated funds, and Calhoun personally delivered a mix of healthy and fun snacks to high school students and their families.
Through mentorship, union activism, and equity initiatives, Calhoun has worked to create a professional culture where ESPs and other staff feel valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed.
Calhoun was one of five finalists who included Elizabeth Craig, Personal Care and Behavior Resource Assistant, Oregon; Andrea Kelly, Program Coordinator for Adult, Corrections, Distance, and Alternative Education, Nevada; Tammy Preble, Paraeducator, New Hampshire; and Mary Reynolds-East, Paraeducator, Nebraska.
The award was announced at the 2026 NEA ESP National Conference in Anaheim, California on Saturday, March 28. Calhoun will now serve as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, speaking about the work and importance of ESPs at local, state, and national events.
For more information on the NEA ESP of the Year Award, including a complete list of the nominees and more information on the five finalists, visit www.nea.org/ESPOTY.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-names-washingtons-stanley-calhoun-2026-education-support-professional-year
[Category: Union]
TSA Workers Union Calls on Congress to Return to Washington and Fund DHS
WASHINGTON, March 30 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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TSA Workers Union Calls on Congress to Return to Washington and Fund DHS
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AFGE members are continuing to show up, while Congress continues its vacation
Today, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100, the exclusive union representative of over 40,000 TSA officers across the country, is calling on Congress to return to Washington to provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security agencies and pay its workers.
AFGE TSA
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WASHINGTON, March 30 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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TSA Workers Union Calls on Congress to Return to Washington and Fund DHS
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AFGE members are continuing to show up, while Congress continues its vacation
Today, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100, the exclusive union representative of over 40,000 TSA officers across the country, is calling on Congress to return to Washington to provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security agencies and pay its workers.
AFGE TSACouncil 100 President Hydrick Thomas issued the following statement:
"For over five weeks TSA officers across the country showed up without being paid to ensure the safety of the flying public and our airports.
"We have performed our duty. Unfortunately, Congress has failed to perform theirs. To leave Washington while tens of thousands of workers are going without pay shows a clear lack of respect for the essential employees tasked with keeping our nation safe.
"Today, AFGE members are continuing to show up, because we are proud of the critical work we do. Today, Congress is continuing their vacation, while their work goes undone.
"AFGE TSA members are grateful to receive some backpay today. But many of our members have seen bills pile up, interest and late fees add up, cars repossessed, and families thrown into disarray because Congress has failed to do their jobs. Over 500 of our colleagues had to quit, and those who couldn't make it to work have disciplinary actions looming over their heads. Backpay alone does not fix those problems. And our fellow DHS employees are still not being paid thanks to the dysfunction in Congress.
"To say we are utterly disgusted and disappointed with our elected officials is an understatement. Congress must come back to Washington, fix this crisis, and stop putting politics over people and vacation over values."
Additional concerns from AFGE TSA Council 100
While AFGE members have received backpay for pay periods 4 and 5, several have received incorrect pay amounts due to missing overtime payments and improper tax withholdings. Additionally, there is still outstanding payment from pay period 3, where employees received partial payment.
AFGE TSA Council also has concern with updated furlough guidance issued by TSA on March 29. Particularly with the removal of furlough status. Previously, officers were able to request to be placed into furlough status when unable to make it to work for various reasons including lack of transportation or childcare due to financial reasons related to the shutdown.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/d3012727ecb64b0ca4c609fd193cdfef.aspx
AFGE President Everett Kelley Slams Congress for Going on Vacation While DHS Workers Go Unpaid
WASHINGTON, March 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE President Everett Kelley Slams Congress for Going on Vacation While DHS Workers Go Unpaid
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Kelley to Congress: "Come back to Washington. Honor your oath. Do your job."
WASHINGTON - Today, following a breakdown of a bipartisan deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Congress's decision to leave town rather than continue working to resolve the issue to pay tens of thousands of employees who have been working without a full paycheck
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WASHINGTON, March 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE President Everett Kelley Slams Congress for Going on Vacation While DHS Workers Go Unpaid
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Kelley to Congress: "Come back to Washington. Honor your oath. Do your job."
WASHINGTON - Today, following a breakdown of a bipartisan deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Congress's decision to leave town rather than continue working to resolve the issue to pay tens of thousands of employees who have been working without a full paycheckfor over 40 days, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President Everett Kelley issued the following statement:
"I have never been more disgusted by the failure of elected leadership in my life.
"Though TSA officers will be paid, FEMA workers, Coast Guard, CISA, and other DHS employees are waiting on their back pay. These are not abstractions. These are American fathers and mothers and sons and daughters who serve our country every single day.
"And Congress left them without a paycheck and went on a two-week paid vacation on our dime.
"Forty-two days. No check. No relief. No apology as Congress packed their bags and left these American families to struggle alone.
"AFGE members took an oath. They have a job to do. They are showing up to do it. When is Congress going to do the same?
"Come back to Washington. Honor your oath. Do your job."
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/b0a0761414b64836931548b257b51691.aspx
Theatre Technicians at Michael J. Fox Theatre Unanimously Elect to Join IATSE Local 118
NEW YORK, March 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees posted the following news release:
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Theatre Technicians at Michael J. Fox Theatre Unanimously Elect to Join IATSE Local 118
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BURNABY, BC - Ten theatre technicians at the Michael J. Fox Theatre have unanimously voted to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 118. All 10 workers signed union cards in support of union representation, and the British Columbia Labour Relations Board officially certified the local as their bargaining agent on March 17,
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NEW YORK, March 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees posted the following news release:
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Theatre Technicians at Michael J. Fox Theatre Unanimously Elect to Join IATSE Local 118
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BURNABY, BC - Ten theatre technicians at the Michael J. Fox Theatre have unanimously voted to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 118. All 10 workers signed union cards in support of union representation, and the British Columbia Labour Relations Board officially certified the local as their bargaining agent on March 17,2026.
The Michael J. Fox Theatre is a non-profit community theatre that has been in operation since 1993. Located in Burnaby, BC, the 613-seat venue hosts a wide range of events including theatre, dance, music, and other community productions and events, serving as a cultural hub for the region.
Workers approached IATSE Local 118 in early March to discuss unionizing their workplace. From there, things moved quickly, and the workers were able to secure unanimous support within a week of the first meeting. Assisted by BC's automatic certification ("card check") rules, workers achieved certification at a BC Labour Relations Board hearing. The local now moves forward to bargaining.
"The Michael J. Fox Theatre is a beloved community venue that has brought people together since 1993," said Joe Sawan, Business Agent for IATSE Local 118. "We're excited to represent the theatre technicians who make it all possible, and we look forward to working with them to bargain a strong and progressive collective agreement."
The organizing victory at the Michael J. Fox Theatre adds to IATSE's growing representation of arts and cultural workers across British Columbia and demonstrates the expanding recognition among entertainment workers that collective bargaining provides essential protections for stage crews.
"The speed and unanimity of this organizing drive shows how ready these workers were for union representation," says John Lewis, IATSE International Vice-President and Director of Canadian Affairs. "We're proud to welcome the Michael J. Fox Theatre technicians to IATSE, and we look forward to bargaining a strong first contract that reflects their contributions to this important community venue." Theatre workers looking to organize their workplaces can reach out to IATSE at iatse.net/join to connect with an organizer.
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Original text here: https://iatse.net/theatre-technicians-at-michael-j-fox-theatre-unanimously-elect-to-join-iatse-local-118/
NEA President Becky Pringle Responds to Melania Trump's Push for Students to Be Educated by Artificial Intelligence
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The National Education Association issued the following statement on March 26, 2026:
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NEA President Becky Pringle responds to Melania Trump's push for students to be educated by artificial intelligence
Pringle: "No technology - no matter how advanced - can replace the human connection at the heart of teaching and learning."
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National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle today issued the following statement after Melania Trump appeared with an AI-powered robot in the White House and continued to advocate for children to be educated by artificial
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WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The National Education Association issued the following statement on March 26, 2026:
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NEA President Becky Pringle responds to Melania Trump's push for students to be educated by artificial intelligence
Pringle: "No technology - no matter how advanced - can replace the human connection at the heart of teaching and learning."
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National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle today issued the following statement after Melania Trump appeared with an AI-powered robot in the White House and continued to advocate for children to be educated by artificialintelligence:
"Educators inspire, motivate, teach, and guide students. Artificial intelligence, when used appropriately and safely, can enhance teaching and learning, but human connection is what makes the difference. No technology - no matter how advanced - can replace the human connection at the heart of teaching and learning.
"Yesterday, Donald Trump named Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle's Larry Ellison, and Nvidia's Jensen Huang, among others, to a new AI advisory panel. That same day, Melania Trump brought an AI-powered robot to the White House and advocated for students to be taught by artificial intelligence. We must be clear: decisions about technology in education should be led by educators, not billionaires or profit-driven corporations.
"AI has the potential to improve student learning and support educators, but it must be implemented responsibly, with strong safeguards for safety, privacy, and environmental impact. Instead, the Trump administration is sidelining educators, parents, and communities while consolidating control in the hands of Big Tech.
"We must ensure that any use of AI in schools is guided by educators, protects students, and helps, not replaces, educators. Our students deserve more than algorithms. They deserve opportunity, connection, and committed educators in every classroom. The administration's approach conflicts with our vision and with the principles that prioritize the well-being of our students, schools, and communities."
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-president-becky-pringle-responds-melania-trumps-push-students-be-educated-artificial
[Category: Union]
Court Orders VA to Prove Compliance with Collective Bargaining Injunction, Warns of Contempt
WASHINGTON, March 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Court Orders VA to Prove Compliance with Collective Bargaining Injunction, Warns of Contempt
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Federal Judge finds VA may have violated her order by attempting to re-terminate union contract hours before hearing
WASHINGTON - A federal judge today granted the Unions' Motion to Enforce her March 13 preliminary injunction reinstating collective bargaining for employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs and will soon issue a written order detailing the
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WASHINGTON, March 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Court Orders VA to Prove Compliance with Collective Bargaining Injunction, Warns of Contempt
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Federal Judge finds VA may have violated her order by attempting to re-terminate union contract hours before hearing
WASHINGTON - A federal judge today granted the Unions' Motion to Enforce her March 13 preliminary injunction reinstating collective bargaining for employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs and will soon issue a written order detailing thecourt's findings and the requirements that VA must now follow. Judge Melissa DuBose also went further, finding that the VA may have engaged in contempt of court through its blatant disregard of her order and its attempt to re-terminate the union contract just hours before the hearing. The judge ordered the VA to show cause why it should not be held in contempt and will give the Unions the chance to reply.
The ruling is a significant victory for the over 300,000 VA employees represented by AFGE's National VA Council and a sharp rebuke of the agency's repeated attempts to strip workers of their voice at work. Since the original March 13 order, the VA has resisted compliance at every turn, culminating in a last-minute effort to re-terminate the agreement before the court could act.
"VA workers did not choose this fight -the Trump administration brought it to them," said Mary Jean (MJ) Burke, President of the AFGE National VA Council. "VA employees come to work every day focused on one thing: serving veterans. They deserve a voice in their workplace. The judge's consideration of contempt for the VA's attempt to avoid compliance and disregard the Court's order further demonstrates how little this administration cares for the frontline workers serving and protecting our veterans. The NVAC will not rest until every VA facility in this country is honoring our union contract."
"The VA told our members they had no union. They tried to strip away the contract that was won over decades of service by the nurses, housekeepers, claims processors and clinicians who show up every day to serve our nation's veterans. And when a federal judge told them to stop, they tried to do it again mere hours before the hearing," said Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees. "But AFGE is still here. We never went anywhere. And the court has made clear that the VA cannot ignore the law and our contract. Our members will not be silenced."
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/8dcbfad739d8452eace670895b8d772c.aspx
AFGE President Kelley Statement Following Trump's Order to Pay TSA Officers
WASHINGTON, March 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE President Kelley Statement Following Trump's Order to Pay TSA Officers
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While grateful for this action, all DHS employees must be paid immediately
WASHINGTON - In response to events today, including President Trump's announcement he will instruct Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and ongoing negotiations in Congress, American Federation of Government Employees
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 27 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE President Kelley Statement Following Trump's Order to Pay TSA Officers
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While grateful for this action, all DHS employees must be paid immediately
WASHINGTON - In response to events today, including President Trump's announcement he will instruct Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and ongoing negotiations in Congress, American Federation of Government Employees(AFGE) National President Everett Kelley issued the following statement:
"For the past five weeks, AFGE members have been calling on Washington to pay the public servants at the Department of Homeland Security who are protecting this country while the parties work out their differences. Today, that call was answered. The 47,000 TSA officers represented by AFGE will finally be paid, and we are grateful that action was taken to make that happen.
"We don't yet know what this means for thousands of other DHS employees at FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, among others.
"These workers and their families cannot wait. All DHS workers must be paid immediately.
"Congress needs to continue working to pass a real, bipartisan appropriations deal that funds DHS, pays all DHS workers, and keeps these vital agencies running -even if that means canceling their upcoming vacation.
"And they must pass the Shutdown Fairness Act so that no politician, of either party, can ever hold a public servant's paycheck hostage again."
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/39bc966c9e5b43a4897e18d81388bed0.aspx
