North Carolina Families Show Up for Kids and Educators on May Day 2026

Joshua and John chat with DAE President Mika Twietmeyer about the everyday struggles of education workers in the 'Right to Work' state of North Carolina. With no legal ability to collectively bargain, workers' rights are hampered by anti-worker state laws passed during the Jim Crow era. North Carolina ranks 46th in the nation for teacher pay in 2026 and is the only state in the country where the average teacher salaries will decline this year. North Carolina also ranks #1 in the nation for business. With the corporate tax rate set to go to zero by 2028, funding for NC public schools and services will suffer an even worse fate while greedy billionaires and corporations will pocket countless dollars that could instead improve the lives of all working-class families in North Carolina.Despite this, working class families in North Carolina have demonstrated the successes of continued collective action to make headlines around the country. Their courage and solidarity are proving to America that workers have real power to make positive changes in their workplace and communities.