Teachers and other school employees are empowered to do their best work on behalf of Missouri's children when the rights of these employees are respected.

Missouri education employees should have the legal right to organize and bargain collectively the terms and conditions of their employment and other matters of mutual concern, including the development of instructional programs and policies. Some education employees have been subjected to unilateral changes in their working conditions during a contract period while being denied the right to participate in the decision-making process.

As of May 29, 2007, Missouri education employees regained the right to bargain collectively for the terms of their employment, but no legislation exists which outlines collective bargaining procedure.

The Association urges the General Assembly to enact legislation that guarantees all education employees the right to organize and bargain collectively. Such legislation should contain the following key elements.

1. Exclusive representation of the bargaining unit
2. Legally binding agreements
3. Good faith bargaining and impasse procedures