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Issue Brief

Workers' Rights

Educators and all public service employees deserve to negotiate over pay, benefits, and working conditions, but they lack a federal law that would guarantee that right.
Educators sit in a circle discussing a negotiated settlement. One educator is smiling.
By: South Dakota Education Association
Published: December 11, 2023

The South Dakota Education Association and other labor unions have led the fight for better working conditions, including the 8-hour workday, overtime rights, and access to health care and retirement security. 

Educators’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions; good working conditions for educators promote student learning and engagement.

When educators come together to negotiate a fair contract with their employers, they can set limits on class size and address health and safety issues. They can pave the way for community schools and play a role in identifying and solving problems.

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SDEA provides high-quality professional learning to improve your professional practice, support student success and excellence, and build community with other members across South Dakota.
Educators having fun while advocating

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You belong in the movement! Join today to belong to the movement of educators and school staff fighting for the pay and working conditions we all deserve.
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It's about our kids.

The South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) is a professional organization working hard for educators, so they can continue to work hard for our kids. SDEA members provide a wide range of professional education services in communities throughout the state.
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The South Dakota Education Association is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

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