A majority of home-based early educators have come together and asked the Vermont Labor Relations Board to begin the process certifying Vermont Early Educators United, AFT, as the organization that they have formed to negotiate as equals with the state.
"We have been organizing for this moment for five years," said Kay Curtis, a licensed home provider in Brattleboro, "once we prove our majority, providers will negotiate as equals with the state and advocate for what is best for Vermont's children."
Providers may now organize because of Act 187, signed into law by Governor Peter Shumlin in June. The new law allows home-based early educators in Vermont who provide child care services that are subsidized by the state to form a union and negotiate with the state over payment, professional development and other mutually agreed upon issues.
"We have started the process which will prove that the majority of providers want to come together and negotiate," Emily Creighton-Pryer, a registered home provider inBradford,explained. "Once the Labor Board has notified providers about the election, then we will get to vote. I can't wait to fill out my ballot with a YES."
A majority of home based providers have joined the union and are asking the VLRB to certify the majority status, most likely through a mail ballot, so that providers can begin negotiations with the state.
The election is expected to take several weeks, and if successful, the union will then form a negotiating committee, ratify proposals and then meet with the administration to negotiate a legally binding contract.
Vermont Early Educators United is affiliated with AFT Vermont. The union has been working with providers to get the enabling legislation passed into law. Ben Johnson, President of AFT Vermontcelebrated the filing, stating,"It is an honor to work with these providers and to finally get to this point where they will be able to vote 'union yes.' Teachers, healthcare professionals, faculty and higher education professionals look forward to supporting early education professionals as they organize and negotiate a first contract.
| The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do. In Vermont, American Federation of Teachers represents professionals in health care and higher education, and hopefully soon in early education. http://www.kidscountonme.org/ |