Teacher Truths: You will not lose your pension if you opt-out of the union

Please share with any educator you may know to help dispel these pesky misconceptions! #TeacherTruths

Today (September 30) is the last day teachers can make the choice that is right for them regarding union membership. If you are an educator who no longer wants to financially support Education Minnesota and its affiliates, you can create your resignation letter here, print it off and hand sign, and email to Education Minnesota and your local union with “Union Resignation” in the subject line by 11:59 p.m. If you miss the deadline, you will be locked into membership for another year until the opt-out window re-opens September 1, 2021.

“If I am not a member of Education Minnesota, does that affect my pension?”

No. Your defined benefit pension and 403(b) are offered as benefits by your district employer, not by the union. Pensions are not subject to collective bargaining in Minnesota, though the union does lobby on the issue. Union members and non-members have the same pension benefits.

Educators across the state are opting out for a variety of reasons. Regardless of your reason, you are not alone.

Still on the fence about your decision? Reach out to us with your questions at [email protected].