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Health & Fitness

Union demands threaten cuts to Seattle day care services for children

Last week, in “Union directive a snag to universal preschool,” The Seattle Times reported that unions are using a City of Seattle daycare program to boost their dues-paying membership.  Outgoing Mayor Mike McGinn is requiring day care providers to give SEIU union organizers personal information about employees who work with children, including employee names and addresses. 

Political donations from SEIU unions were a major component of McGinn's recent failed re-election campaign. 

McGinn told day care providers that if they fail to provide sensitive employee information to his union allies he will cancel city contracts and cut day care services to low-income children.  Day care providers have until December 1st to comply.

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McGinn's aggressive tactics are an example of how unions use political connections to boost their membership and finances.  “It feels like we’re being strong-armed,” said Bob Gilbertson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.   Washington is not a Right to Work state, so day care workers must join a union and pay dues if contract provisions require it.  

Forced union membership is part of the plan city officals announced in September to create a universal preschool program for all three- and four-year-old children.

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Studies consistently show that any academic effects gained by a child in preschool fade out by third grade, and that many children thrive in a home environment before starting kindergarten.  Preschool is not for everyone, but the City's proposed one-size-fits all program would expand union power and influence.  It would also discriminate against Seattle’s many high-quality private day care centers and preschools in which employees do not join a union.

Unions have suffered a sharp decline in membership and many, like SEIU, are desperate to expand market share.  Serious money is at stake.  In 2007, the SEIU collected $6.13 million in forced deduction of dues from employees of family child care providers.  The teachers union collects $32 million a year from public school paychecks.  Enforcement is based on fear.  Teachers and family child care workers who oppose union membership risk losing their jobs.

Politically powerful unions are the primary obstacles to reform in public education.  Now, in an effort to stem shrinking membership rolls, union executives are using their influence with politicians to force day care workers to become dues-paying members.  If they don't, Seattle officials say they will cancel contracts and cut day care services to children.

 

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