PROVIDENCE,R.I. -- About 660 licensed home-based childcare providers throughout Rhode Island would be eligible to unionize like their colleagues in neighboring states under a bill introduced Wednesday in the General Assembly.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, would extend the union rights to providers who receive state subsidies for the children in their care. Under the legislation, backed by the SEIU Local 1199 New England, the daycare providers could choose a "provider representative" to negotiate with the governor or his designee for reimbursement rates, benefits, training and professional development.
If the two sides fail to reach agreement, issues would go to mediation. But the providers would not be eligible for state employee pensions or other benefits, nor would they have the right to strike.