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Lawmakers consider bills to extend union rights to home care and child care workers
12 March 2013
| ST. PAUL - This week, the Minnesota Legislature is taking up bills to extend the right to organize to thousands of low-wage workers who lack that right today. |
The proposed legislation will give home care workers and child care providers the ability to bargain collectively with the state. Currently, home care workers are organizing with the Service Employees International Union; child care providers are organizing with AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
The Minnesota AFL-CIO has launched an online effort for people to contact their legislators about the proposals.
For years, home-based child care providers have been uniting to advocate for quality care parents can afford. Home care workers provide direct support services to the elderly and people with disabilities to help them remain in their homes and live independent lives. Both groups are seeking a voice on the job.
Legislation extending collective-bargaining rights to family child-care providers cleared a second committee last Thursday when it passed the House Early Childhood and Youth Development Committee. The panel defeated several amendments attempting to restrict organizing rights.
On March 21, dozens of home care Workers and their clients will come together at the Minnesota State Capitol to show their support for passing the Home Care Bill. |
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