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Together. A Stronger Voice
Being an educator is one of the hardest jobs in the world and it’ s never been harder than right now. During the pandemic, the Maine Education Association and its members used their collective voice to help educators live better, safer lives, so our students could recieve the best education possible.
S A M P L E H I S T O R I C N E G O T I A T E D R A I S E S
Teacher Salary Increases $4,700+ increase statewide average (Masters' top)
Bangor Ed Techs Wage Increase 16% in year one
RSU 71-Belfast Assistant Mechanic Wage Increase 16% in year one
Auburn Transportation Wage Increase 26% average increases by July 2023
Academic Administrators at Community Colleges Wage Increase 9% over 2 years
H I G H E R S A L A R I E S & B E T T E R B E N E F I T S
The statewide average salary increased by as much as $4,700+ for those with a Masters' at the top of the scale. Many ESP members also saw historic salary increases. MEA also continues to work to increase and fight for your pension so you can retire with dignity, while the MEA Benefits Trust works to provide a comprehensive and affordable health care program in a challenging and volatile marketplace I M P R O V I N G Y O U R D A I L Y L I V E S
Addressing Educator Burnout
Advocated for and received 15 days of COVID leave, allowing you to keep sick days and ensuring you're paid while out for COVID reasons
Secured more time for teachers after MEA pushed for a new law giving educators the right to negotiate planning time in local contracts
Secured funding to help schools hire more staff
Provided additional mental health support and training for members to support their students Improved Safety Protocols
Stricter air quality standards after MEA worked to secure passage of a state law requiring school districts to follow stricter air quality standards Creation of district safety committees with union representation after MEA advocacy at the state and local level Advocated for more federal funds to buy higher quality masks and proper PPE
S A M P L E N E G O T I A T E D L O C A L S U C C E S S E S
15% wage increase overall for support staff in the University of Maine higher education system with a minimum start rate of $15.00 per hour
Air quality inspections on a 3-year rotation in York due to the negotiation efforts of the York Teachers Association
$600 "Thank You" bonus for all employees in Old Orchard Beach/RSU 23
RSU 29 EA impact bargained two days’ pay for elementary teachers at their per diem rate to compensate for the extra work necessary to transition between remote and in-person instruction after a school shutdown.
Pen Bay TA - Brooksville Teachers Wage Increase 14% - 18% in one year
