At North Dakota United, we believe that the strength of our union of 11,000+ members relies upon building strong relationships with trust, inclusion and respect at their core, between all our members and all the people they serve.
Our mission is simple yet impactful: to improve the lives and working conditions of our members, while at the same time enhancing the quality of public services and education for all North Dakotans. We believe that all of our state’s students deserve universal access to quality education opportunities, so that they might achieve academic success and develop moral, ethical, spiritual, and cultural values. We also believe in providing outstanding public services and assistance to any North Dakotan who should seek a helping hand. By working together, we all do better.
At North Dakota United, we all believe strongly that YOU are the U in NDU.
Together, we equal much more than the sum of our parts. North Dakota United is the state’s largest union of more than 11,000 public employees, including members who are working in K-12 schools, higher education, state, county and city government, as well as retired workers and aspiring educators. Together, we strive to make certain that the voices of all our members are being heard.
We have successfully raised wages, improved working conditions, and fight to preserve retirement benefits. By standing united, there is nothing we can’t achieve for the hard-working professionals who have dedicated their lives to improving living and learning conditions for all our state’s students, families and communities.
Membership types for ND United include:
- K-12 Teachers
- Education Support Professionals
- Higher Education Faculty & Staff
- State, County and City Employees
- NDU-Retired
- Aspiring Educators (SNDU)
The benefits of membership include:
- Strong representation in grievances to resolve disputes
- Training and leadership development
- Expert assistance and guidance in the process of collective bargaining
- A stronger voice in the political process, both locally and on the state level
- Assistance in obtaining better working conditions
- Professional development training courses, available for credit
- Support of NDU staff and our state and local leaders
- Access to exclusive member publications and information
- $1 million liability insurance protection for work-related incidents
- Legal services
- Recognition of your important contributions to education and public service
- Access to Member Benefits programs and discounts that help stretch paychecks
Who to Call & When
As a member of ND United, you have the right to participate in decision-making regarding contract negotiations and other aspects of our union’s advocacy efforts. Utilize your voice, get involved, and help shape your local association and what it does. When we work together, our collective actions and voices can lift us all up.
Our expert staff at NDU are there to help you with any of your workplace and advocacy concerns. Find a full list of NDU staff members and their updated contact information.
Professional Development
North Dakota United delivers professional development with a focus on customized learning, based upon your individual wants and needs. This format allows participants to choose from multiple topics and themes, form an individually tailored plan, and access the professional development wherever and whenever works best for you.
From Sept. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025, ND United is able to provide FREE professional development courses to ALL NDU members! An appropriation from the NDU Foundation is paying the cost of providing PD courses to our members, which will save you $100 for every course you choose to take.
See our complete listing of available professional development courses.
NDU Professional Development Formats:
Book Studies: A variety of relevant topics to enhance professional skills and awareness are offered throughout the year. The format of the book studies enables communication and collaboration, along with an opportunity for self-directed learning. Book studies are free for NDU members, but cost $100 for non-members, payable to NDU. An additional $50 must be paid to UND to have your credit recorded on your transcript.
Podcast PD: NDU now offers this new, asynchronous format of providing professional development. Participants will simply listen and reflect as their schedule allows. With six different podcasts to choose from, Podcast PD allows educators to make personal choices for their learning based on their content area and professional interests while helping them to earn up to five credits.
Elevating the Profession through Educator Ethics: This in-person training aims to maintain and exceed the model of education ethics and standards.
NEA Micro-Credentials: Competency-based, on-demand, personalized, shareable professional development developed by the National Education Association. Individual micro-credentials are typically organized into “stacks” of similarly themed topics. Micro-credentials are ideal for Professional Learning Communities.
For personalized courses, courses not running, and/or questions on how to register, please contact [email protected].
UPAC
United PAC (UPAC) is North Dakota United’s political action committee (PAC). We use money that is voluntarily contributed to elect pro-public education and public service individuals at the state and local level.
The UPAC supports candidates at every level of North Dakota politics. Whether it's helping elect a public education champion to a local school board, or helping send someone who understands public employee issues to the Governor's office - UPAC is fighting to ensure that our state's decision-makers hear our voices and will stand with us as we fight to improve public schools and public services in North Dakota.
UPAC is fueled by supporters of public education and public service. We come together to elect pro public education and pro public employee politicians at the local and state level, regardless of political party. Make your voice heard by making your recurring contribution to UPAC.
NDU Foundation
The purpose of the North Dakota United Foundation is to promote educational excellence and quality public service in North Dakota. The Foundation’s goal is to aid educators, public servants and students in achieving greater educational success.
To that end, the Foundation currently offers 17 specifically designed and administered scholarships and grants to North Dakota United members, including SNDU and NDU-Retired members, as well as the dependents of all members.
Get more info about available scholarships and grants, and how to apply.
Legal Assistance
NDU staff consists of trained experts in labor relations and worker rights. Our organization can work with any of our members on issues that come up on the job, and help to advise and represent you on:
- Grievances – Terminations – Layoffs
- Promotions – Reclassifications – Pay issues
- Health and Safety issues
- Worker’s Rights
Attorney Referral Program
The NDU Attorney Referral Program provides each eligible member a free, 30-minute consultation session on personal matters during each membership year. If you end up needing additional legal help, the Attorney Referral Program lets you get that help at rates below participating attorney’s usual fees. Legal services under this program include wills and estates, real estate, domestic relations, consumer protection, and traffic violations.
The program is offered by both the NEA and the AFT. The benefits of the two national affiliates are very similar, but members should always ask questions, particularly about the fees, before engaging an attorney.
Participating firms:
For criminal matters: Ringstrom DeKrey PLLP*, Moorhead, MN 218-284-0484
Schneider Law Firm**, Fargo 701-235-4481
Navratil, Unmack & Herring**, Glendive MT 406-377-5273
* NEA Attorney Referral Program Participant
** AFT Legal Services Program Participant
NEA Member Benefits
The National Education Association offers a wide variety of benefits in order to make NEA members’ lives better. Through their carefully vetted, best-in-class programs and services, as well as know-how and solutions to help you be an empowered consumer, NEA Member Benefits are there to help you make the most of your membership every day. Benefit categories include: Banking & Lending; Investing & Retirement; Insurance; Everyday Savings; Home & Auto; and Travel. Visit neamb.com for more information.
AFT Member Benefits
As an American Federation of Teachers member, you belong to a community of colleagues. We understand the power of joining together — in our work, in our communities and in the marketplace. At the AFT, we have our own marketplace— AFT + Member Benefits—which combines the purchasing power of the AFT’s 1.7 million members with the benefit offerings of Union Plus, the AFL-CIO’s benefit arm. This gives you a rich array of discounts, services and benefits that go beyond the workplace. Many of these programs are available to family members, too. Benefit categories include: Education; Finance & Legal; Staying Healthy; Discounts & Shopping; Insurance; Travel; and Mortgages & Home Services. Visit aft.org/member-benefits for more information.
