Establishing a Minimum Starting Rate and Supporting Universal Wage Bargaining for PSRPs

WHEREAS, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 and has not risen since 2009; and

WHEREAS, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of educational institutions, providing essential services, and supporting the development and well-being of students; and

WHEREAS, PSRPs are often undervalued and underpaid despite their critical contributions to the educational community, leading to economic hardship and high turnover rates that disrupt student learning, institutional stability, and low union membership; and

WHEREAS, the lack of a standardized minimum starting wage for PSRPs perpetuates inequity and allows for inconsistent compensation practices that fail to reflect the essential nature of their work; and

WHEREAS, collective bargaining is a fundamental right and a proven method to secure fair wages, benefits and working conditions for workers across all sectors; and

WHEREAS, establishing a universal wage floor for PSRPs would promote equity, respect and dignity for these essential workers, while ensuring that all bargaining units have the support needed to secure just compensation for their members:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will support and advocate for bargaining efforts to negotiate a minimum starting wage of no less than $22 per hour indexed to inflation for all PSRPs, as a step toward ensuring a livable wage that reflects the essential contributions these workers make to our schools and communities; and 

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to advocate for and support all bargaining units in their efforts to collectively bargain for universal wages and benefits for PSRPs, empowering them to negotiate contracts that uplift workers and standardize fair compensation across regions; and 

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to commit to providing resources, training and strategic support to bargaining units engaged in collective bargaining efforts, including organizing campaigns, wage analysis, and community outreach to build public awareness and solidarity; and 

RESOLVED, that the AFT will prioritize advocacy at local, state and national levels to promote policies and legislation that establish and enforce fair minimum wages and strengthen the collective bargaining rights of PSRPs; and 

RESOLVED, that the AFT will provide PSRP bargaining units with resources to conduct financial audits of employers in order to provide members with the information and skills needed for successful negotiations; and 

RESOLVED, that the AFT will focus on continuing to build an inclusive union that fully incorporates PSRPs and ensures they have specific resources tailored to their unique needs, fostering an equitable and supportive union environment; and 

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to commit to internal organizing efforts focused on PSRPs, strengthening their engagement, representation and participation within the union; and 

RESOLVED, that the AFT reaffirms our commitment to economic justice and equity for all workers, recognizing that fair compensation for PSRPs is essential to the health and success of our educational system and the communities it serves.

Adopted July 18, 2026