Current Issues
The Fairfax Education Association is committed to working together to make FCPS an even better place to work. As the voice of Fairfax County Schools’ employees, we work to bring employees thoughts, ideas, and concerns to the forefront. Here are just a few examples of the district-wide concerns we have focused on lately. If something at your worksite could be better, or you have an idea for improving FCPS, please let us know!
Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining has been an elusive goal, just beyond the reach of VEA members for more than 40 years. Since 1977’s ruling by the Supreme Court of Virginia banning the practice of local school boards negotiating contracts with local educators, our Union has created 10-year plans, legislative campaigns, and numerous other strategies in an ongoing effort to regain those rights.
As VEA members who helped make bargaining a reality at last in 2020 and who remain in the fight to implement it can tell you, there are lots of very important reasons why collective bargaining matters.
“Our students, our schools, and our school employees all win with collective bargaining,” says VEA President James J. Fedderman. “It’s a benefit for both kids and educators, and a way to identify and solve problems for the betterment of all.”
Learn more about collective bargaining here and by watching the video below.
Unemployment
VEA and FEA advocated to make sure members could speak with Virginia Secretary of Labor Megan Healy on her first day in office. This is a testament to our collective power.
In July 2021, VEA and FEA met with Secretary Healy over issues regarding repaying unemployment. We shared stories about being expected to pay back thousands in “overpayments” after our members took the advice of a direct supervisors to file for unemployment. Members from other locals in Virginia shared the same experience and reiterated the lack of guidance from school and county officials around eligibility when filing with the Virginia Employment Commission.
Secretary Healy assured us that overpayment forgiveness waivers became available July 1, to workers in this situation.
Please reach out to FEA staff if you require any assistance when filling out the waiver. We’re here to help!
In addition, please consider attending the VEA Unemployment Town Hall on July 29.
Bonuses
FCPS employees working in transportation, custodial, maintenance, family services and other support departments are infuriated that their current bonus pay of $500 pales in comparison to the $1,000 that teachers are receiving.
With extra COVID funds available, and neighboring counties recently raising their pay, FCPS leadership must implement a meaningful change to address this inequity. FEA is advocating on behalf of all FCPS employees to increase the bonus pay currently allocated to support professionals from $500 to $1,000.
School Budget
Every year, the Fairfax Education Association advocates strongly on behalf of all Fairfax County Public Schools employees for better wages, working conditions and benefits. This happens through meetings with state legislators as well as advocacy at the local level, speaking at school board meetings and helping make it easy for FEA members to contact their local representatives.
COVID-19
The Fairfax Education Association took a strong stance to help ensure that education professionals did not have to return to school buildings until it was truly safe to do so. Now, FEA is advocating to ensure continued safety for students and all those who work in the school system.