State's first union for family child care could improve care for nearly 17,000 children

AUGUSTA - Nearly 2,200 home-based child care providers across Maine now have a united voice for their profession, after voting in a statewide election to form their union with the Maine State Employees Association (MSEA)-SEIU Kids First.

Ballots were counted today by the American Arbitration Association and results announced this morning. Over 86% of providers voted to join together in MSEA-SEIU Kids First.

This is an exciting day for family child care providers and the kids and parents who depend on us,"said Sasha Shunk, a provider from Portland. "Now we have the strong voice we need to stand up for affordable, quality child care in Maine."

Providers' union will be able to work with the state to strengthen regulations that affect the families they serve and increase access to training opportunities, affordable health insurance and other improvements that will help providers stay in the profession.

"Parents trust child care providers every day to do what's right for our kids,"said Charlene Musgrave, a parent from Augusta.

"With a united voice, our providers can work together to make child care a better place for our children and more reliable for working parents."

The election does not affect the relationship between parents and their child care providers.

"The only thing parents will notice is that the quality will improve, and it will be easier for families to find care when they need it,"Barbara Carlow, a provider from Hermon said.

Providers' victory in Maine reflects a growing trend in child care policy nationwide. Since 2005, ten states have given providers the freedom to form a union, and Illinois, Oregon, and Washington have already approved union contracts to stabilize the industry and improve access to affordable, quality child care.

"Providers already work closely with state employee members of MSEA who work at the Department of Health and Human Services and we couldn't be more excited that we are all in one union," said Dana Graham, MSEA President. "We look forward to working together and speaking with one voice to ensure the highest quality care for Maine children."
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