Primary Seat Belt Law - Effective June 9, 2009
Booster Seat Law - Effective July 1, 2009
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Minnesota Statute 169.685 - Child Passenger Restraint Law
Chapter 9502 (Rule 2) Licensed Family Child Care
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Chapter 9503 (Rule 3) Licensed Child Care Centers
Advocacy Updates
Union Misrepresentation
December 2011
A hearing is scheduled for January 17, 2012 concerning the vote mandated by the Executive Order issued by Governor Dayton.
If
you were visited by SEIU (KidsFirst) or AFSCME (CCPT - Child Care Providers Together) representatives in their door-knocking campaign (or in years past) and signed a card
either "for more information," "to find out about health care," or "as a
petition," be advised that this was your vote authorizing SEIU or
AFSCME respectively to be your (and all child care providers') exclusive
representation for the purposes of bargaining with the state of
Minnesota.
For the most up-to-date, non-political information about the potential unionization of independent, small business owners, visit www.childcareunioninfo.com. This site is maintained by the Coalition of Child Care Providers, a cohort united together for the purpose of distributing factual information to all child care providers in Minnesota. Read news reports, view video clips of legislative hearings, and listen to podcasts of hearings and television and radio broadcasts.
Governor Dayton issued an Executive Order mandating a vote among a minority of licensed child care providers. A Ramsey County Judge issued an order delaying the vote and providing for a hearing on the matter scheduled for January 17, 2012. There are serious concerns about the EO and the Governor's authority to mandate a vote, allegedly outside the scope of his constitutionally allowed responsibilities.
As
a licensed child care professional and small business owner, you can take immediate action. Contact your legislators as well as
your county commissioners and local governments. You can also contact Governor Dayton and tell him you do NOT want union
representation for your business. (If unionization can occur in this manner for one type of independent type of business, there is little to stop it from occurring to, for example, dentists, lawyers, accountants, cosmetologists, and other sole proprietors.)
Encourage your
colleagues, parent-clients, and advocates to do the same. We ask that
you send a copy of your letter or a summary of your action to info@pla-inc.org.
Read the information, listen to the reports, then ask questions of those providers listed on the Child Care Union Info site who have the knowledge of what is really happening in this arena. Repeatedly and in multiple venues, representatives and staff from both unions have refused to answer direct questions or have replied with misleading or incorrect information. Questioners are frequently chastised or even bullied for expecting an honest answer. One leading union organizer posts obscenities on his Facebook page. Is this the type of organization that you want to be speaking on your behalf?
You are fully capable of running your own business. Don't allow unions or anyone else to usurp any portion of that right. Speak up. Speak up now. Speak up repeatedly. You already have a strong voice that can make itself heard at any table. You can voluntarily join any number of membership organizations that also advocate for you and your business.
Moreover, remember that you already have everything you need to run your business. You have access to more education opportunities in every county than you could ever possibly take advantage of - some are free. There are mentors throughout the state eager to assist you - some are free. Accountants and legal experts are close by - some are free. Your local child care professional association can provide you with information on numerous topics - some is free. You don't need a union for any of that - that won't be free.
Furthermore, complimentary legal assistance for fighting unionization has been provided to the Coalition of Child Care Providers. While you can certainly spend your money as you wish, don't be mislead by other organizations now requesting funds (now up to $100,000) to support ongoing legal action. This Coalition is the only provider-lead, grassroots organization leading the effort against unionization in this manner.
Note: The Coalition of Child Care Providers is not anti-union,
nor is Professional Learning Alternatives, Inc.
And that's the honest-to-goodness truth!
Unions for Child Care Providers?
Providers have been contacted by representatives of AFSCME and SEIU. Rumors are rampant.
Misrepresentations abound. Information presented is not fully explained or is conflicting.
Providers sign cards believing they are requesting more information when in fact they have "voted" for that union to represent them. Grandiose promises are made about dues and benefits that have thus far remained mostly unfulfilled. They involve no money at this point - it is merely discussion between various union representatives, agencies, and government members. There has been misleading union advertising making unsubstantiated fiscal claims.
In some states, non-joiners must still pay "fair share" dues and have fees taken out of their county reimbursements. Might this also extend to grants? Minnesota is a "closed shop" state. Providers would not be allowed to refuse participation once a union has been approved. In other states, most of the "benefits" have been directed to unlicensed or unregistered providers. Where might that leave those who license their business with their state?
One highly touted benefit is health care. We have not yet found any providers who receive health benefits. These benefits would have to be funded by state legislatures. When was the last time you heard that child and family accounts were receiving any significant funding?
Dues may not be the last thing you could be required to pay. "Fair share" deductions from any increase may be fair game. After all...since the union negotiated it for you, they must deserve a portion of your "raise"...right? BEFORE signing anything: ask lots of questions and demand solid answers. Most aren't getting any answers. Require current contact data for further research. Locate persons not named in the ads.
Union representatives have been unwilling to respond to questions about the future position of your local child care associations or individual child care professionals and their role - their right! - to participate in the governmental processes of lawmaking. What are they afraid of?
As a child care professional, I would be deathly afraid of losing my right to voice my opinion in the processes surrounding my livelihood. Furthermore, where will the restrictions end?
Many of you already belong to a professional association(s). By working together, they could accomplish great things for child care and the professionals in the field. You already pay membership dues to organizations whose mission is, in part, to support the well being of its members. Why pay more?
There is strength in numbers.
Each of you must take action. Be factual and polite and persistent.
Will you step forward to make a difference? Contact Professional Learning Alternatives, Inc. at info@pla-inc.org if you dare to take a stand.
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