Childcare providers do not need SEIU
February 19, 2012 by Staff
Filed under Communities, General, Letters to the Editor
From: Carol Kappel
Winsted
Several years ago, a meeting took place in Winsted with the assistance of our representative and senator from our district, and many childcare providers from the Twin Cities.
The place in which the meeting took place was packed to capacity.
At that point and time, the goal was to phase out family childcare providers. If we hadn’t held our meeting and if everyone hadn’t worked together to oppose that goal, it would have become a reality.
Now that goal has changed because family childcare providers have become important enough for Service Employees International (SEIU) to want us to join their union.
I have been in childcare for 45 years, and I can’t think of a single thing that would benefit us by joining SEIU. We work for ourselves. Family childcare providers, including myself, schedule all of the classes that we need and want. If we were required to join SEIU, we would have to pay dues, and in turn, we’d have to raise our wages.
The fact is, the only ones who would benefit from family childcare providers joining the union would be the union itself, as they would increase their membership.
In my opinion, it would be extremely prejudicial to not allow all family childcare providers and all parents to vote on this issue, since these are the two parties union membership would effect.
You should also know that all of the people that were sent out to providers’ homes were paid to make their visits. Some of these people had a hard time taking “no” for an answer, continuing to make repeat visits at homes to the point of harassment.
Please call the representative and senator in your district, along with Governor Mark Dayton and let them know that we don’t want or need a union.
Good for you Carol.
I agree with you 100%.
As long as you provide a good service there is no need for a union.
My opinion a union is organized crime just trying to get money for the working man (or woman).
All this will do is raise rates for daycare, as I am sure you have to pass these costs onto your customers and pad the pockets of some money grubbing union big shots.
Hell No, stay stong
Good editor letter Carol. You let these unions infringe on your business and once it starts it never will stop.
I have three kids in daycare. When i was a kid us kids drank whole milk from the bulk tank – we all turned out healthy and strong. Now big govt has stepped in and tells licenesed daycare providers not only can they not serve whole milk, but also 2% milk. Also, as of 3/1/12 all licensed daycare providers will NOT be allowed to nap babies with ANYTHING in the crib/pack n play. no blankets, no bumpers, etc. We called Wright County govt office and of course they passed the buck to the state level, and you guessed it the state level passed it on to the federal level. Govt infringment at it’s finest. I can only imagine what they will come up with next. Why shouldn’t it be our choice as parents??? Why shouldn’t it be your choice as a daycare provider?? Good letter and good luck.
DITTO’s
In my opion,unions are ok but are not always needed and should not be forced onto anyone.Know days so many times umion’s go to far[WANT,WANT,WANT more,ect].
Keep saying NO.You doing need a union.