Teachers’ unions in New York state and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now have launched a statewide campaign to unionize thousands of workers who provide child care in their homes.
Establishing such a union would require the state legislature’s approval, because the workers receive child-care subsidies for low-income children and food reimbursements from the government.
The United Federation of Teachers, New York State United Teachers, and the community group ACORN are collecting signatures from interested providers. So far, more than 2,700 workers have signed on. The groups are also seeking support from lawmakers, clergy members, and other community leaders.
If the drive is successful, New York will become the only state other than Illinois to allow family child-care workers to organize into a union.
