Teachers Unions Win Climate Wins Through Contract Negotiations

Teacher unions across the United States are finding creative ways to fight climate change by incorporating environmental demands into their contract negotiations with school districts. From solar panels in Chicago to electric buses in Los Angeles, educators are leveraging their collective bargaining power to push for greener schools while addressing urgent infrastructure needs.

The Chicago Teachers Union exemplifies this approach, securing agreements for solar installations, clean energy job training for students, and improved air quality monitoring. Jackson Potter, the union’s vice president, explains that many school buildings average 83-84 years old and contain lead paint, asbestos, and mold—requiring an estimated $30 billion in upgrades. “If you’re going to do a roof repair, put solar on it,” Potter argues, emphasizing how climate action can simultaneously address health hazards and create energy independence.

This “collective good bargaining” strategy is gaining traction as federal climate support diminishes under the current administration. Unions in Minneapolis have demanded environmental task forces and free transit passes for students, while Los Angeles teachers push for electric vehicle charging stations. The approach transforms what might seem like niche environmental concerns into immediate priorities by connecting them to tangible issues like toxic building materials and student health.

Meanwhile, new research from NWEA reveals the urgent need for such action. The study found that student math scores decline significantly when classroom temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with students in high-poverty schools—which often lack adequate air conditioning—suffering learning losses up to twice as severe as their peers in wealthier districts.