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.