How Lives Changed in Wisconsin

In 2011, the lives of Wisconsin teachers changed overnight. Wisconsin is not alone. Attacks on collective bargaining rights have taken place in Indiana and Ohio, too, as have attacks on tenure, retirement and other important issues. In Wisconsin, contracts were replaced with highly restrictive policy handbooks. You can make sure it doesn't happen here by being politically active, building community relations and developing a plan. We can learn from Wisconsin. This is a short but important video.  It is worth four minutes of your time to watch it.

Voices of Wisconsin EAC on Vimeo.

2012-2013 NESPA Teaching Scholarship

The 2012-2013 NESPA teaching certification scholarship is now on our blog and ready for our members to apply!   Click on the tab at the top of this page named NESPA Teaching Certification Scholarship for more information and an application.

Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?

Labor Day is more than just a day off in September.  Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day?

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. (From US Department of Labor).

US labor unions are responsible for many benefits that we may take for granted today.  Some of these benefits include:

• the 40 hour work week
• weekends
• unemployment insurance
• health benefits
• pension benefits
• grievance procedures
• minimum wage
• equal pay for equal work
• workers' comp

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker. (US Department of Labor).