The Clark County Education Association (CCEA), the union representing Nevada’s largest school district, is launching a campaign to gather signatures for a ballot initiative that would grant teachers the right to strike. The union announced the effort on Wednesday, citing frustration with existing legislation and a belief that voters overwhelmingly support the measure.

Gathering Signatures for a 2026 Vote

The CCEA aims to collect 102,362 signatures by November 20 this year, with a minimum of 25,591 signatures from each of Nevada’s four congressional districts. If successful, the proposal would appear on the 2026 ballot for voters to decide.

“We are confident that the voters of Nevada will stand with our educators,” the union said in a news release. “However, we are not walking away from other critical avenues for change.”

Multi-pronged Approach

The CCEA’s pursuit of the ballot initiative is part of a broader strategy to secure the right to strike for teachers. The union is also:

• Challenging existing legislation in court: The CCEA is arguing that current laws restricting public employee strikes violate First Amendment rights.
• Engaging with state legislators: The union is lobbying for legislative changes that would grant teachers the right to strike.

Public Support for Teacher Rights

The CCEA points to polls showing that around 70% of Nevadans support the right of teachers to strike. This sentiment aligns with national trends, with public support for teacher strikes on the rise in recent years.

Next Steps

The CCEA’s signature-gathering campaign is expected to begin soon. The union plans to hold a press conference on Thursday to provide more details about the initiative.

Potential Impact

If passed, the ballot initiative would have a significant impact on labor relations in Nevada. It would grant teachers the right to collectively withhold their labor in pursuit of better wages, working conditions, and educational resources. This could lead to increased bargaining power for teachers and potentially improve public education outcomes in Nevada.

The outcome of the CCEA’s campaign remains to be seen, but the union’s efforts are sure to generate significant debate and discussion in the months ahead.

Credits: Review Journal