Friends - I was at the Board meeting when this was approved -- it allows a local, with the approval of the state, to be a voting member of their local central labor council - this has nothing to do with merger - locals do not have to become AFL-CIO. I too have read the articles in the newspapers and they are incorrect.

Also at the February meeting, the NEA board also approved the renewal of the NEA-AFT Jurisdictional Agreement which is the no-raid at the national. Again, I see no language about this being a step toward merger - and since I have very strong feelings about a merger, I can assure I watch these things very carefully and I listen carefully. I will be glad to answer any questions I can.

I am sending you the e-mail I received from Reg's office.

Karen

Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 8:05 AM

MEMORANDUM

TO: State Affiliate Presidents<
State Executive Directors
NEA Board of Directors

FROM: Reg Weaver

RE: NEA/AFL-CIO Announcement

NEA Pubic Relations issued on Thursday a media advisory about a joint announcement AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and I are scheduled to make on Monday, February 27. The media advisory prompted a number of media calls to the Public Relations department. They declined to comment, noting that Mr. Sweeney and I will make any public statements related to the scheduled announcement on Monday.

While NEA declined to comment, a number of media outlets published their take on the announcement. The stories, unfortunately, also contained a number of serious inaccuracies. Of primary concern to me and our members is the impression that they left with regard to the future of NEA. NEA is not planning to merge with either the AFL-CIO or the AFT. We will remain a strong, independent national organization.

NEA Public Relations is finalizing a number of documents related to the scheduled announcement. They will distribute the documents to the appropriate people at the appropriate time.

If you have or receive any questions, please refer them to either of the two individuals:

Questions from the media: Miguel Gonzalez, Public Relations, at 202-822-7758