Voice at Work

Tens of Thousands of Workers & Providers Gain New Rights.

Day to Cheer | Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (D) finishes signing legislation granting collective bargaining rights to nearly 13,000 state workers. Michael Begatto (seated), executive director of Council 81, and the bill’s co-author, state Sen. Robert I. Marshall (D) (second row, second from left), join the victory applause. 
Photo Credit: Edward Savaria Jr.

Nearly 13,000 state employees have won the right to bargain collectively for fair wages and benefits, thanks to legislation signed in August by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (D).

Along with a coalition of labor organizations, AFSCME championed the law, which gives state workers the same bargaining rights as county and municipal employees.

"This bill puts power in the hands of workers to improve our jobs, our lives, and the important public services we provide," says Kathleen M. Wooten, a Sussex County social services case manager and Local 2031 (Council 81) member.

Michael Beggato, Council 81's executive director, explains that state employees can now "secure a fair and binding contract, which guarantees participation in decision-making, fair grievance procedures, workplace safety, and fair and equitable wages."

Topeka, Kansas

Child Care Providers

Some 7,000 registered and licensed child care providers throughout the state are building a strong voice through their new union, Child Care Providers Together Kansas/AFSCME.

In July, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) signed an Executive Order granting them collective bargaining rights. That same month, they won certification of their union.

Their campaign to demonstrate that a majority supported forming a union with CCPTK/AFSCME was launched in January.

The providers will elect a representative group from around the state to speak for Kansas child care providers when they meet with officials.

"Joining CCPT Kansas/AFSCME puts me in touch with providers across the state," says provider Shalisa Lowery of Wichita. "I know I have the support of thousands of child care providers just like me."

Annapolis, Maryland

Home Care Providers

Some 4,000 independent home care providers in Maryland can now join a union and bargain collectively with the state over working conditions, thanks to an Executive Order recently signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D).

The providers work in the homes of some of the 20,000 seniors and others with disabilities who would otherwise live in nursing homes or state facilities. With home care costs averaging $4,000 per year, compared to nursing home expenses of $55,000 to $65,000 annually, the providers' work saves the state millions of dollars every year.

With the Executive Order in place, the providers - who have been organizing with AFSCME Council 67 for four years - have the power to negotiate reimbursement rates, payment schedules and benefits. "I love to help people stay in their own homes and live their lives with dignity," says Baltimore provider Audra Feldman. "I know I won't get rich doing this work, but I need to earn enough money so I can support my family."

AFSCME represents 75,000 home care workers in public and private facilities - and inde-pendent providers in three states. Most of them are represented by United Domestic Workers of America-NUHHCE, an AFSCME affiliate in California.

Albany, New York

Child Care Educators

The Voice of Organized Independent Childcare Educators/CSEA has been certified as the exclusive bargaining representative for 7,000 registered family and licensed group child care providers throughout New York state.

A majority of the providers had signed cards demonstrating they wanted VOICE/CSEA to be their union. VOICE is an affiliate of Civil Service Employees Association/AFSCME Local 1000.

This certification follows an Executive Order signed May 11 by Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) that allows the state to bargain with any union that proved it represents a majority within four different groups of child care providers.

Salem, Oregon

Two Statewide Victories

It’s the Law | Oregon Governor Kulongoski signs legislation granting collective bargaining rights to 4,400 family child care providers.
Photo Credit: Don Loving

Two years after winning an Executive Order granting them collective bargaining rights, Oregon child care providers now have what they really want: Gov. Ted Kulongoski's (D) signature on a bill making their right a state law.

In July, the governor also signed into law a measure allowing public employees to join a union via majority sign-up (sometimes called card check).

"We will no longer fear that a future governor will undo all the gains we have made," says Marian McDonald, president of Child Care Providers Together/Local 132 (Council 75), which represents over 4,400 registered and certified family child care providers statewide.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Child Care Providers

Gov. Ed Rendell (D) signed an Executive Order in July that provides collective bargaining rights to 4,000 state-regulated family child care providers.

The providers are building their own union, Child Care Providers United, a joint-unity local formed last year by AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). They will soon be able to vote for union representation.

"We now have an opportunity to unite by voting 'Yes' in the upcoming child care election so we can begin to work on real solutions that will help make child care a quality job," says provider Andrea Sheeder of Clearfield County, Pa.

Prospects for a better future are already growing for these providers: After tough budget fights earlier this year, the governor's proposals for early childhood education (which help finance provider services) have now received full funding.