by Tom Brown July 31, 2013 vtdigger.org One of the two unions who have been furiously knocking on doors across the state for months seeking to represent Vermont’s 7,000 independent home care workers has pulled out of the race. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced its decision in a news release Wednesday saying, ‘SEIU believes withdrawal from this election is in the best interest of everyone involved.’
The withdrawal of SEIU means the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) will almost certainly earn the right to bargain with the state on behalf of the home care workers.
Two weeks ago, the Vermont Labor Relations Board set a Sept. 9 election date. The news release said the union would encourage its supporters to vote for AFSCME.
The news release did not cite any specific reason for SEIU’s withdrawal, but did say that some health care providers had referred to the election as ‘divisive.’Most of the workers are part-time and many are very part-time, who have received the full-court press from the unions who were known for their frequent in-person visits and phone calls.
‘SEIU heard from many providers that the election was creating a divisive atmosphere and distracting from the important issues that need to be resolved,’the release said. ‘We offer AFSCME our full support in moving forward towards their eventual victory, and wish them the best in their future efforts as Vermont’s homecare union.’
in response, Carolyn Klinglesmith, director of AFSCME Vermont Homecare United, issued the following statement:
‘AFSCME applauds SEIU for recognizing the interests of Vermont homecare providers and we thank them for their support as we work toward building our union.
‘AFSCME Vermont Homecare United remains focused on the next steps needed to reach the goal of a successful election and a successful first contract. We are thankful for the enthusiasm and support that homecare providers have shown in building a union and we believe this solidarity will strengthen the labor movement here in Vermont."
Tim McQuiston of Vermont Business Magazine contributed to this report.