For some time the United Federation of Teachers in NYC, my old local, has been working with ACORN to organize home based child care workers in New York City.  These workers are contractors and they have little say over their pay and the conditions of their work. They have no pension, health insurance or other benefits. Their pay is way too low. They receive little in the way of professional development or other supports.

Today, Governor Eliot Spitzer signed an executive order giving these workers the right to be represented by a union in negotiations with the state. For the childcare workers who came together to try to make this happen it shows what sticking together and standing up can accomplish. One of them, Melvina Vandross of the Bronx, said at the singing today   “It’s like a hundred birthday parties all at the same time.” The governor has my thanks.  As UFT President Randi Weingarten noted, "any day you can strengthen childcare in New York City and improve the lives of 28,000 home day-care providers is a great day."  A great day indeed. Edwize posts on it here.

The executive order also gives bargaining rights to the more than 20,000 homecare workers located outside of New York City.  It is expected that the Civil Service Employee Association, an AFSCME local would try to organize these workers.