Collective Bargaining for Child Care Providers Helps Families and Workers

Promise the Children is proud to endorse and promote the Yes on 3 for Kids campaign in Massachusetts. Question 3 on this November’s state ballot is about the right of child care providers to organize a union and bargain collectively with the state. (A “yes” vote on Question 3 supports the child care workers, and if the initiative passes they will form a union with collective bargaining rights).

What makes this initiative so appealing is its potential to benefit both child care workers and child care clients (parents and children). Currently the state of Massachusetts offers a voucher system that partially subsidies for parents the cost of child care. The Yes on Question 3 campaign emphasizes that child care providers will bargain for greater state subsidies for child care, as well as increased training opportunities. Such measures would improve the quality and availability of child care in Massachusetts. In addition, collective bargaining presents an opportunity to improve the working conditions of child care providers. One of the benefits child care workers will focus on is health care coverage.

The initiative in Massachusetts is similar to child care providers campaigns that have been successful in other states. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is leading this fight in Massachusetts, and has organized child care providers in Illinois and Washington. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has organized child care providers in other states.

Update on Massachusetts Health Care Reform

There has been much excitement and discussion in Massachusetts about the health care reform passed this spring. The goal of the law is to provide health care coverage to all.

One major component of the new law is that all Massachusetts residents who are not otherwise covered are required to purchase health insurance, so long as an affordable plan is available.

Although there has been little spotlight on the process by “affordability” will be defined, it is important for Unitarian Universalist supporters of universal health care to stay afloat of recent developments.

The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority is determining what is meant by "affordable" health insurance and evaluating the content of plans offered.

For the latest updates, visit the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority and Affordable Care Today!

The former website may be slightly easier to follow, although both contain a wealth of information.

After reading these sites, please post any feedback or additional information in the comments section here!

Promise the Children will also be monitoring this issue and keeping you posted.