Everyday People.
Extraordinary Power.

More than 700,000 of us One of you

We’re teachers, teaching assistants, aides and counselors. Bus drivers and custodians. Food service workers and school secretaries. Professors and college staff. Nurses and healthcare workers. And the retirees who built all of this before us. Some of us work in one-room rural schools, some on campuses of thousands, in hospitals, libraries and beaches — nearly 1,400 local unions, different jobs, one membership.

Whatever your job title, there’s a local union for it, a contract behind it and 700,000 colleagues backing it.

Belonging adds up

For instance, union members earn nearly 20 percent more than non-union workers — a median $11,960 a year.

Unions also defend a secure retirement for their members. Defined-benefit pensions have nearly vanished from private industry, but they survive in public education for one reason: unions defend them — in Albany, and in every state where educators still have one.

Belonging protects

Your building rep and local officers know your contract and your workplace. When something feels wrong — a schedule, a directive, a conversation that crossed a line — they’re the first people you talk to.

Labor relations professionals support your local’s leadership through grievances and contract negotiations, and when it’s serious, NYSUT’s attorneys step in. Members have the backing of a NYSUT attorney in most disciplinary cases — 3020-a and Section 75 — and most licensing cases, plus certification defense and wage claims.

Whatever comes, you face it with your union behind you.

Belonging builds

Union membership also gives you access to discounted health benefits, life insurance, legal benefits, home and auto insurance, and over 40 discount programs to help you save on everything from cars to home appliances.