The Executive Committee of the National Staff Organization (NSO) voted to impose sanctions – including a boycott – on the Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE), in response to LAE management’s ongoing disregard for transparency, due process and contractual language with LAE’s recent reduction-in-force (RIF) action.
As part of the sanctions, we are asking NSO members to boycott the April 15 NEA shared staffing request for Louisiana. This action was taken in response to a series of harmful actions imposed by LAE which have undermined the Louisiana State Staff Organization (LASSO) bargaining unit.
In addition to the RIF, Louisiana Interim Executive Director Karla Owens terminated a veteran bargaining unit member under apparently arbitrary circumstances.
Despite the start of the Louisiana’s 2025 legislative session and the imminent threat to payroll deduction, Mrs. Owens has left the entire government relations department vacant. Her failure to act weakens legislative efforts and the ability to protect public education in Louisiana.
LAE leadership, however, swiftly filled a UniServ manager position despite no demonstrated need for the position given the small size of the current staff. This decision underscores a mismanagement of resources and a lack of strategic prioritization during a time of organizational crisis.
“We cannot allow the extreme actions taken by LAE to stand,” said NSO President Brad Darjean. “LASSO members voted unanimously to request assistance from the national. Unions are built for exactly this type of challenge. We stand in full support of our members.”
NSO Region 6 Director Matt Ryg agreed. “Our union siblings in LASSO are being treated unjustly,” Ryg said. “Management is acting with incompetence and callousness when it comes to the lives and dignity of those we care about.” He challenged NSO members to heed the sanctions saying, “The call went out for shared staffing, but we say not until LAE follows their staff contract and rescinds the layoffs. Union values are not negotiable.”
The National Staff Organization represents union staff from around the country, uniting professionals who support and strengthen the labor movement in every sector where unions thrive.
Grounded in a shared commitment to leadership, advocacy, stability, and justice, NSO empowers its members to build strong contracts, protect union values, and champion the rights of workers nationwide. Learn more at www.nationalstaff.org and follow NSO on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.